Ronwen Williams, the Bafana Bafana captain, returned to Gelvandale Primary School in Gqeberha to give them R50,000 and one of his match-worn kits.
Reflecting on his childhood in the city’s Northern Areas coloured townships and at the school, where he first developed a passion for football, Williams shared stories of his early days playing football at home, which often led to broken household items.
Williams’s visit was inspired by his outstanding performance in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where his goalkeeping skills saw him save four penalty shots in the quarter-final.
To celebrate that memory, he donated his iconic red kit from that game to the school.
Addressing students and staff, Williams said it was important to pursue one’s dreams and credited Gelvandale Primary for laying the foundation for his successful career.
Expressing his gratitude to Ronald Boggenpoel, the school principal and his former coach, Williams remembered his youth and the impact early mentorship had on his footballing career.
Boggenpoel thanked Williams for his contribution and highlighted the difference it would make for future sports enthusiasts at the school.
Williams also revealed plans to further support the school by organising the construction of a school hall and a youth football programme in partnership with his team, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pictured above: Ronwen Williams.
Image source: X
