Ronwen Williams’ mentor, who converted him from being a striker to a goalkeeper

Williams, whenever he gets an opportunity, always shares how Uncle Maurice remains his true inspiration as his first-ever coach until he joined SuperSport United 20 years ago. Uncle Mokes says Williams was equally good as a striker until he converted him to swap for the goalkeeper gloves.

READ: Richards Bay commit to paying R230 000 to lift FIFA ban

''We played against bigger teams, then I told Ronwen - you need to do a job for me and the job is in the post - wear gloves. We then played the middle teams and I said to Rowen , now you wear boots and score goals for us. I then switched to say you're an allrounder  - now please be a goalkeeper for me and he did the rest,'' said Camelio.

Uncle Mokes who started training Williams when he was only eight years old, recalls how he used to sit behind the goalposts just to marvel at his game and the humility side of the 32-year-old.

''I think he was a natural. When I used to play, he used to sit next to the posts, watch and want to mimic me. And like that he is humble and has great humility,'' added  Camelio.

The 55-year-old also recalls the night when Williams saved four penalties against Cape Verde at the AFCON tournament in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year. Camelio says it was after that game that he told his nephew that an overseas move was still coming.

The success of Ronwen Williams is not just a personal achievement but a source of pride for the entire Gelvandale community. Uncle Mokes fondly remembers the large numbers of community members who gathered to watch the matches with the family during the AFCON, a testament to the community's unwavering support for their local hero.