Bafana captain Ronwen Williams hails ‘consistent’ Renaldo Leaner

Bafana Bafana skipper Ronwen Williams has thrown his weight behind Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner, describing the shot-stopper as a “consistent” force who has rightfully earned his place in the national setup.

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Leaner, 28, is currently relishing his second call-up to Hugo Broos’ squad as South Africa prepares for tonight’s international friendly against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium (19:00).

His inclusion comes on the back of a stellar domestic campaign with Babina Noko, where he has kept nine clean sheets in 18 appearances while fending off stiff competition from international peers Toaster Nsabata and Manuel Sapunga.

‘He’s earned his call-up’: Ronwen Williams on Renaldo Leaner

Williams, the undisputed South African number one, believes Leaner’s arrival strengthens an already competitive goalkeeping department.

“First and foremost is the quality that he brings into the department,” Williams said. “He’s been one of the most consistent goalkeepers for the past few years. He’s done extremely well. You know he’s earned his call-up with his performances and how he’s played for his team.”

The captain noted that Leaner has integrated seamlessly into the camp environment. “There are a lot of moments where he carried his team on his back. You can see him during training; he doesn’t feel like he’s new to the team because he’s been part of it before. He comes with the right energy, the right spirit, and he’s willing to learn.”

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, Williams suggests that Leaner’s growth will be fast-tracked by working alongside himself and Ricardo Goss—two stalwarts of the Broos era.

“It can only benefit him to have someone like myself and Ricardo [Goss], who have been there at the highest level for such a long time,” Williams explained. “For him to rub shoulders with us and learn would only benefit him.”

Williams also dismissed previous concerns regarding a “goalkeeper crisis” in South Africa, suggesting that the current depth provides Hugo Broos with a “good headache.”

“A lot of people have been complaining about the shortage of goalkeepers in South Africa, but I don’t think it’s the case. Now, there are so many for the coach to choose from… it keeps us all on our toes.”

The road to the World Cup For Bafana Bafana

As Bafana Bafana fine-tunes their preparations for the global showpiece, the competition for the gloves has reached fever pitch. After tonight’s clash in Durban, the team moves to the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on March 31.

“In three months’ time, there’s a big World Cup, and there’s probably five or six goalkeepers that are doing extremely well,” Williams added.

“We are a family on our own. We help each other, we strive to be the best, and we know how difficult the position is because only one can play. We support one another in good and bad moments.”