South Africa captain, Ronwen Williams, has appealed to football fans across Africa to rally behind Bafana Bafana at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup despite growing resentment over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in his country.
Williams made the appeal ahead of South Africa’s crucial Group stage clash against the Czech Republic on Thursday, following widespread hostility from African supporters during Bafana Bafana’s opening match against Mexico.
Many African fans openly backed Mexico in protest against recent anti-migrant sentiments and attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
Mexico went on to defeat South Africa 2-0, a result that many observers viewed as symbolic of the backlash against the country’s handling of migrant issues.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, reports of intimidation, anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa drew criticism across the continent, straining the sense of African solidarity often displayed during major international sporting events.
The fallout was evident both online and offline, with some African supporters adopting Mexican flags as profile pictures, sharing pro-Mexico content on social media and celebrating South Africa’s defeat. The hashtag #MexicoVersusXenophobia also gained traction across several African countries.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Williams said players should not be held responsible for political and social issues beyond their control.
“I have always said that, as Africans, we are one and we should support each other in both good and bad moments,” Williams said.
“We have our politics, we have our problems, and we’ve got our own fights that we deal with back home. Every country does.
“So, I don’t know where all the toxicity came from, but it does hurt. As I mentioned, I have been attacked, and obviously my country has been as well, for things that are going on back home.
“I have always said players are human beings too. We go through it, and sometimes it gets to be a bit too much. You want to focus on doing your job, which is being a footballer, but then you get dragged into politics, and you don’t want to get into that space.”
The goalkeeper stressed that sport has the power to unite people despite political differences.
“But that is the wonderful thing about sports—it can unite you, make you, or break you. It can bring people together. We are in Atlanta now and I see Africans, South Africans and people from Mexico all in one room. That is the beauty of sports; that is the beauty of football,” he said.
Williams urged Africans to focus on football and allow political leaders to address political issues.
“So, let us enjoy this and have a wonderful time. Let’s leave politics to the politicians. Let us just play football, enjoy ourselves and criticise based on what happens on the field.
“We cannot control off-the-field matters, and it has nothing to do with us as players. As Africa, let us unite, for we are in this together,” he added.
South Africa face the Czech Republic on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with both sides seeking their first victory of the tournament after disappointing results in their opening matches.
