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During a stellar 12 months of domestic and international football, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has been winning awards with regularity – but his latest nomination left him “numb” with disbelief.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Mamelodi Sundowns stopper has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, which recognises the world\u2019s best goalkeepers as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t recall if I dropped the phone. I got a knot in my stomach. I literally went numb,” he told BBC Sport Africa, struggling to describe his feelings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I saw the Ballon d\u2019Or page, I couldn\u2019t believe it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know if I was excited, happy or crying. It was so surreal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have so many feelings and I try not to think about it because it gets me emotional.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old is the first African-based player to be nominated for the trophy named after former Soviet Union legend Lev Yashin.<\/p>\n
Given that South Africa\u2019s men\u2019s team has largely underachieved on the international stage over the past two decades, Williams hopes his recognition will provide motivation for his compatriots.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve achieved so much in my career but I don\u2019t think this will ever be replaced,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to open doors for South Africans to start thinking and dreaming bigger. We\u2019ve got the talent and ability but we pull ourselves down.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019ve already won even if I don\u2019t make the top three.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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