2026 World Cup: ‘Leave Politics For Politicians’ – South Africa Goalkeeper Begs Africans To Back Bafana Bafana

South Africa captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has urged Africans to support one another in “good and bad moments,” saying “leave politics to politicians”. 

NEWSNGR understands that Williams spoke at a press conference ahead of South Africa’s second Group A match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup.

His comments came amid online trolling and banter directed at Bafana Bafana by some Africans following their defeat to Mexico in their opening match.

The lack of support for South Africa has been linked to anger over xenophobic attacks against other black Africans in the country.

Williams said he had also been targeted with fabricated quotes suggesting that he criticised other Africans for not backing South Africa during the game against Mexico.

He said the false reports and backlash were painful because footballers were also human beings.

“I’ve been a target over the last few days about things that I haven’t said. I didn’t speak anything about Africa and people supporting Mexico,” Williams said.

The Bafana Bafana captain said African countries all had their own domestic challenges, but the continent must learn to unite on the global stage.

“I can remember, I’ve always said that, you know, as Africa, we are one, we support each other, you know, in good and bad moments, we’ve all got our own politics, we’ve got our own problems, our own fights that we deal with, you know, back home, you know, every country does,” he said.

“So, I mean, I don’t know where it stemmed from, and it does hurt, you know, because like I’ve mentioned, I’ve been attacked, obviously my country as well, for things that are going on back home and, you know, I’ve always said, you know, players are human beings as well.”

South Africa will face the Czech Republic on Thursday at 5pm Nigerian time.

Both teams are still without a point in Group A after losing their opening fixtures.