The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is an example of what can happen when you don't let the bad moments define you.
If Williams had given in to the criticism, who knows the direction his career would have taken if he had conceded five goals on his Bafana Bafana debut against Brazil.
In 2010, he lost 5-0 to Brazil, and today he is one of 10 goalkeepers nominated for the Ballon d'Or Yachine Trophy, largely because of his performance at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, when he made four saves in a single penalty shootout, making him the first shot-stopper in AFCON history to do so!
The goalkeeper's career has certainly progressed in incredible ways since making his national team debut. After that tough night against the Brazilians, he had to wait a few years to become the national team's number one goalkeeper, but it was worth it because he is not only the first choice, but also the captain of the team.
He came through the ranks of SuperSport United to make his first-team debut at the age of 20, under the guidance of Gavin Hunt, through sheer will and determination. Despite captaining the senior team at SuperSport and winning all the knockout competitions with the Tshwane outfit, winning the league with Sundowns was not a regular occurrence until he donned the famous yellow and blue jersey.
Williams has won two league medals, as well as the African Football League title, his first continental championship.
His game at Sundowns has gone to another level, proving he is a goalkeeper who is comfortable playing with his feet. His confidence on the ball makes him a truly unique player.
As a national team player, Williams is in the process of being mentioned with some of the greatest Bafana players, including Andre Arendse and Itumeleng Khune, especially after his fine performance at the AFCON. He won the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2023 AFCON, a feat no other South African has ever achieved.
He became Bafana Bafana captain in 2021 and is now one of the team's longest-serving captains.
Despite his age, Williams has a lot to look forward to, and a move abroad isn't out of the question. He is, after all, a goalkeeper, and they tend to age gracefully.
