Ronwen Williams Is A Better Goalkeeper Than Andre Onana — Idah

Former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Peterside Idah has claimed that South Africa's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is better than Manchester United and Cameroon’s star André Onana.

Williams vs. Onana: Africa’s Top Goalkeeping Rivalry

The two shot-stoppers are generally regarded as the best goalkeepers in Africa, with both firmly established as the first-choice keepers for their respective countries.

The pair also share similarities, particularly their ability to play from the back with their feet — a modern trend among goalkeepers.

They are international rivals, with Williams generally getting the nod as the starter for Bafana Bafana, earning 50 caps compared to Onana’s 46 for Cameroon.

"Ronwen Williams is currently the best goalkeeper in Africa, better than André Onana. His consistent performances for both club and country set him apart," Idah told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview .

"Ronwen has grown into an exceptional shot-stopper. Early in his career, he was a bit reckless, but now he exudes composure and has improved significantly."

Idah’s Rankings: Williams Leads the Pack

While Onana's tenure with the national team has been marred by controversy, including clashes with the Cameroon Football Federation and former coach Rigobert Song, Williams is celebrated as a hero in South Africa. 

His standout performances for Bafana Bafana, particularly during the last Africa Cup of Nations, where he saved several penalties to guide his team to the semifinals, have cemented his reputation.

"He ( Ronwen Williams) played a crucial role in helping Sundowns win the league and has been an excellent servant for both his club and country," Idah added.

"In contrast, Onana had a disappointing showing at AFCON with Cameroon".

Williams’ Historic CAF Awards Nomination

Both players have been shortlisted for the CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, alongside Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali.

Ronwen Williams is also the only goalkeeper on the shortlist for the CAF Men’s Footballer of the Year award.

"His inclusion in the final shortlist for the CAF Awards is remarkable and serves as an inspiration for other goalkeepers based in Africa.

"While I believe he'll likely finish second or third overall behind Lookman in the CAF Player of the Year category, Ronwen is the frontrunner for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, with Onana second and Stanley Nwabali third," Idah concluded.