Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams visited his alma mater in Gqeberha on Monday where he donated R50 000 towards the school for all sporting codes.
As a little boy, his love for the sport was cultivated at Gelvandale Primary School in the city's Northern areas.
His parents Hazel and Rodney Williams recall the fond memories of their child who kicked a soccer ball as a tiny tot.
"All of us played soccer in the house and when Ronwen was a baby, we were chairman and lady of the local football club and kept all the equipment here at home. He would kick the ball around in the house and break all of my mirrors," says his mother.
Wiliams' visit to his school comes after making waves during the recent AFCON tournament in Cote d'Ivoire, where he saved four penalty shots in one game which warranted the team a spot in the semi-finals.
The famous red jersey he wore on the day that he made the historical saves, was also donated to the school.
He returned to his home community and former primary school to encourage aspiring sports stars and learners to always follow their dreams.
"Gelvandale Primary School will always be special to me because this is where everything started for me," he said.
Learners were also allowed to ask him questions and one learner asked how he felt after making those saves.
"I was happy that we could finally get into the semi-finals after 20 years. I however can't take all the credit, the team, coaching staff, and analysts also deserve the credit."
He also thanked the current school principal Ronald Boggenpoel who was his soccer coach many years ago.
"It is a very proud moment for the school that he has not forgotten his roots. The donation will make a huge difference in the lives of the up-and-coming sports stars," Boggenpoel added.
"To show that this school is special to me, I am in talks with people who are going to assist us in getting a school hall."
Another one of his campaigns to give back to the school and community is hosting a youth day program where his local team, Mamelodi Sundowns comes and teaches youths soccer skills. This is earmarked to take place in June, during off-season
