South Africa’s highly anticipated return to the global football stage turned into a disciplinary disaster at the Estadio Azteca. In the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosts Mexico handed Bafana Bafana a brutal 2-0 defeat in front of a roaring crowd of 80,000.
South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has appealed to Africans to rally behind his team following criticism and disappointment after their defeat to Mexico at the ongoing World Cup.
Williams said he had been unfairly targeted on social media over comments he never made, particularly claims that he criticized Africans for supporting Mexico instead of South Africa.
“I’ve been a target over the last few days for things I haven’t said. I didn’t say anything about Africa and people supporting Mexico,” Williams said.
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The goalkeeper stressed that he has always promoted unity among African nations and believes countries on the continent should support one another through both successes and setbacks.
“I’ve always said, as Africa, we’re one, we support each other in good or bad moments. We’ve got our own problems that we deal with back home, every country,” he added.
Williams reiterated that his message has consistently been one of solidarity, regardless of the challenges faced by individual African nations.
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The South African keeper also highlighted the diverse and inclusive atmosphere surrounding the tournament, urging fans to focus on football rather than politics.
“We’re in Atlanta now and I see so many Africans, Mexicans in one room, that’s the beauty of football. So let’s just enjoy, let’s have a wonderful time and we leave politics to the politicians, let’s play football and criticize for what happens on the field.”
He called on supporters across the continent to unite behind African representatives at the tournament and celebrate the spirit of the game.
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