South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has expressed his disappointment following Bafana Bafana’s defeat to Mexico, questioning why many African supporters appeared to back their opponents rather than rally behind a fellow African nation.
South Africa began their 2026 FIFA World Cup with a frustrating 2-0 loss to the host nation.
Reflecting on the painful loss, the goalkeeper admitted the result left the team heartbroken and called for greater unity among African countries on the global stage.
“Africans have always supported other African countries in every World Cup tournament, but I can’t figure out why our own case is different. Many Africans supported Mexico, not us, the South Africans.
We almost shed tears, but truly this is sad. As Africans let’s stand for each other, let’s stand together,” he said in a quote shared by Ghanaian journalist Thierry Nyann.
Williams’ remarks highlight his belief that African nations should show solidarity during major international tournaments, regardless of regional rivalries or football allegiances.
Following the loss against Mexico, South Africa will need to avoid a defeat or risk group stage elimination.
The Bafana Bafana face Czech Republic in their second group game.