Kwanele Kopo talks about emotional intervention after death of Ronwen Williams’ brother

Former SuperSport United assistant coach Kwanele Kopo has spoken about how he convinced Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams not to walk away from the game years ago.

Speaking on the 127th episode of the Arena Sports Show with Mahlatse Mphahlele, Kopo said Williams was negatively affected by the death of his brother and entertained thoughts of quitting.

Kopo was also key in the revival of the career of Bafana and Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis, who fell out of love with the game when he was released by SuperSport United.

“Ronwen Williams quit football after his brother passed away, and I had to do the same as I did with Appollis with him. We were flying to the Bayhill Tournament in Cape Town and I got a phone call that his brother passed away.

“We flew him immediately to Gqeberha and gave him a month off, but he didn’t come back. I phoned him, begged him to come back, and I told him you are destined to play for Bafana Bafana, and I also spoke to his mother,” Kopo said.

“I think what convinced him to come back was when I told him he must come back to honour his brother because he would never have wanted to see him stop playing football.

“He is South Africa’s, and probably Africa’s, number one goalkeeper. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work with these players.

“It always excites me when I see them play for Bafana and their clubs and they are successful.”