Ronwen Williams is one of the uncapped players in the current Bafana Bafana squad that will face Morocco in an international friendly match on Friday, 11 October 2013 in Agadir, Morocco. The 21-year was crowned the Young Player of the Year in the PSL last season. Matlhomola Morake (MM) caught up with the Supersport United goal minder after the first training session for Bafana Bafana in Agadir, Morocco.
MM: First training session with Bafana Bafana, how does it feel?
RW: It was awesome. It is an honour for me to be part of the team. Itu (Itumeleng Khune) told me to relax and have fun and that is what I did. I am quite pleased with my first day and I am glad the guys welcomed me. This is a fantastic environment.
MM: How does it feel to be with the guys in the national set up?
RW: I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. It is every player’s dream to represent their country. It is a good feeling.
MM: You are normally on opposite ends with Khune, and back in the day with Keet, now you are teammates in the national team. How does that help your game?
RW: A great deal hey. I believe I will grow from this whole experience because first and foremost I am here to learn from them. These are two brilliant goalkeepers we have for Bafana Bafana. Itu has been South Africa’s first choice for as long as I can remember which shows he is doing something right. Darren (Keet) is playing overseas and has been doing very well so I will learn a lot from them. Someday I would like to be in their position.
MM: Even though it is just a few days, how has the experienced in the national team been?
RW: It has been awesome. When we got the hotel the other day I was sitting by the poolside with Itu and he told me a lot of things, not just about football but also about off the field stuff. He told me how to present myself in public because people will be watching my every move. And for me that is profound coming from our captain and number one keeper in the country.
MM: Have you had any interaction with the overseas-based players?
RW: Yes, I spoke to a few of them, like Claasen, who is very funny and likes talking a lot. It is always good talking to them to hear about their experiences. I also had a chat with Darren Keet because we are from the same agency, but roughly I get along with most of the guys.
MM: And what would you like to take out this camp, whether you play or not against Morocco?
RW: The experience is paramount obviously, just the feeling of being here, the mentality needed to stay here and to see how the guys do things. It is not easy playing for the national team because all the best players are here.
MM: Have you had a word with the head coach, Gordon Igesund?
RW: The first day we got here (in Morocco) he welcomed all of us, it was a good touch because most coaches don’t do that. He told us to have fun but work hard at the same time. And I should also thank him for giving me this opportunity to be here.
MM: What are your hopes with Bafana Bafana?
RW: Obviously to be part of the team for a long time to come, and this is where it starts – with the first call-up. I hope to a part of the national team until I retire, hopefully that dream can come true.
MM: Finally, what can we expect from the match against Morocco?
RW: I have heard that they selected a strong squad with players from overseas, so it is not going to be an easy game. But I still believe we stand a good chance to return home victorious.
Source: Safa.net