Chaine, Williams and Stephens can battle it out for PSL Goalkeeper of the Year award

IOL News

18-06-2025

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams is the Bafana goalkeeper as well. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
While strikers often steal the spotlight with their goal-scoring heroics, it's easy to overlook the brilliance at the opposite end of the pitch.
A game-saving stop may not ignite the same roar as a goal, but its impact is just as decisive. In a league where consistency is everything, goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes – silently shaping results week in, week out.
Ronwen Williams claimed the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award, but this past campaign saw several shot-stoppers rise to the occasion.
Here, we take a look at five stand-out performers who made compelling cases for the crown... Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
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The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has emerged as one of the most improved players in his position, making significant progress that has elevated him into a reliable choice for national team coach Hugo Broos.
Based on the qualities he has consistently displayed this season, he appears more than ready to make the leap to international football.
At 28, Chaine has featured in 25 matches during the current campaign, conceding only 18 goals while keeping an impressive 11 clean sheets across the 28 fixtures played by the Buccaneers.
When factoring in his total minutes on the pitch, his form places him among the genuine contenders for this season's top goalkeeping accolade. Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has exceptional shot-stopping ability, strong distribution and composure in crucial moments like penalty shoot-outs. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpapgePix
South Africa's number one goalkeeper began the season on the sidelines due to injury.
But his return injected instant stability and leadership into a Mamelodi Sundowns side that went on to clinch their record-extending eighth straight league title.
The 33-year-old was involved in 16 league matches this term, recording 11 clean sheets and conceding just six goals.
Although he logged fewer minutes than initially anticipated, his influence between the posts remained undeniable, and was instrumental in Sundowns' continued domestic dominance.
What further sets Williams apart is his composure and technical skill in a side that demands a goalkeeper comfortable in possession.
Operating behind a team that values control and build-up play, his ability with the ball at his feet has been a critical asset, distinguishing him from his peers. Sage Stephens – Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Stellenbosch FC's experienced shot-stopper played a crucial role in helping his side finish as one of the league's most defensively solid teams, ranking third in terms of goals conceded.
Despite being hampered by some injury setbacks during the campaign, his presence and leadership were instrumental in guiding Stellies to a second consecutive third-place finish.
This came in a season where they had to overcome the loss of several key players, both at the start of the season and again during the January transfer period.