South Africa National Team Captain Ronwen Williams Visits Grassroot Soccer

Grassroot Soccer was honored to host Ronwen Williams, goalkeeper and captain for the South Africa Men’s National Soccer Team, for a visit at Grassroot Soccer’s Centre of Excellence in Alexandra, South Africa earlier this month.

During the visit, Williams – who became a national hero for his performance at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations – spent time speaking with Grassroot Soccer Coaches and joined in a fun mental health activity alongside a group of adolescent boys and young men participating in Grassroot Soccer’s SKILLZ program. 

“To see the good work that the [Grassroot Soccer] team is doing here in Alexandra and in South Africa – it’s amazing, it’s inspiring, and it’s motivating me now to do even more,” Williams said. “This is a beautiful country with so much hidden talent; it’s for us to go out there and explore and unearth that hidden talent.”

Williams joined the group in a mental health activity that addresses the importance of building a healthy support system amongst peers, family, and community. He also sat down with the team of SKILLZ Coaches – trained young adult mentors from the community who lead Grassroot Soccer programs – to learn more about their work, as well as share his own inspirational story of turning a dream into reality through hard work and perseverance.

Williams is the founder of the Ronwen30 Foundation, which, through soccer and fostering community and social connections, seeks to provide opportunities for youth in South Africa to develop life skills, build their confidence and self-esteem, and reach their full potential.

Williams has captained the South Africa National Team since 2021 and played a key role in Bafana Bafana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal run, including saving four penalties in a quarterfinal victory over Cape Verde. Williams won Best Goalkeeper in the tournament and later was shortlisted for the Lev Yashin trophy, which is awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

He also captains Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning South African champions, and will be leading his side against the top clubs in the world at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.