‘It hurts’ – South Africa’s Williams on lack of African support at the World Cup

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has expressed disappointment over the lack of support from some Africans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying it does not augur well for the team.

Bafana Bafana’s opening game against Mexico, which ended in a 2-0 defeat, sparked mockery on social media as many African fans appeared to support their opponents instead.

The CAF Goalkeeper of the Year described the lack of continental support as worrying, suggesting it affects the team because “players are human beings too.”

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The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper acknowledged that South Africa is dealing with issues at home but stressed that such matters should not be mixed with football, calling instead for unity and support.

“I’ve always said that, as Africans, we are one, we support each other in good and bad moments. We’ve all got our own politics, our own problems, our own fights back home. Every country does. I don’t know where this stems from, but it does hurt. I’ve been attacked, and obviously my country as well, for things going on back home. But players are human beings too,” he said.

Williams added: “We go through it, and sometimes it gets a lot. You want to focus on your job, which is being a footballer, but then politics gets involved. That’s the wonderful thing about sports, it can unite, it can break you, and it can bring people together.”

Watch the video below:

🚨ICYMI🇿🇦⚽🗣️: Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has called on fans ahead of their second World Cup game against Czech Republic to “leave politics to politicians and play football”

This comes after heavy online criticism and backlash during their opening fixture vs Mexico… pic.twitter.com/gstPbRjwM6

— Ölele Salvador🦅🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) June 18, 2026

SB/JE

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