‘Stop dragging us into politics, support us’ – South Africa captain appeals to Africa 

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has called on Africans to remain united and stop dragging political disputes into football following the backlash that trailed his country’s opening game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Williams spoke after finding himself at the centre of controversy over claims that he had criticised fellow African countries for allegedly supporting Mexico during South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to the co-hosts.

However, the Bafana Bafana skipper insisted that his comments had been misrepresented and maintained that he had always championed African unity.

“I’ve been a target over the last few days about things that I haven’t said,” Williams said in a video released by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

“I didn’t speak anything about Africa and people supporting Mexico. I can remember, I’ve always said that, as Africa, we are one, we support each other.”

The goalkeeper admitted that the criticism had been painful, especially as players often become caught up in political debates they have no control over.

According to him, footballers should be judged by what happens on the pitch rather than issues outside the game.

“We’ve all got our own politics, our own problems, our own fights back home,” he said.

“You want to focus on doing your job, which is being a footballer, but then you get involved in politics, and you don’t want to be in that space.”

Williams said the beauty of football lies in its ability to bring people together regardless of nationality, politics or background.

“That’s the wonderful thing about sports. It can unite, it can make or break you, and it can bring people together,” he said.

The South African captain urged fans across the continent to rally behind African teams at the World Cup instead of allowing political disagreements to divide them.

“Let’s just enjoy, let’s have a wonderful time, and we leave politics to the politicians. Let us just play football, enjoy ourselves and criticise for what happens on the field.

“As Africa, let’s unite and let’s keep going because we are all in this together.”

The controversy followed reactions from some football fans across Africa who openly backed Mexico against South Africa, with many citing lingering resentment over reports of xenophobic attacks against African migrants living in South Africa.

Despite the tension, Williams said football should remain a platform for unity rather than division as African nations continue their quest for success at the World Cup.