South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has called for unity across the African continent and urged football fans to separate politics from the game amid growing tensions surrounding xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of South Africa’s FIFA World Cup Group A clash against Czechia, Williams revealed that members of the Bafana Bafana squad have faced criticism and hostility because of events unfolding back home.
“I’ve been attacked for things going on back home in South Africa but we just want to focus on our job as footballers,” Williams said.
The South African captain stressed that the national team should not be held responsible for political and social issues beyond their control, insisting that players are in Canada to represent their country on the football pitch and bring people together through sport.
“Let’s leave politics to the politicians and let us just play football and enjoy ourselves,” he added.
Williams also delivered a message of solidarity to fellow Africans, calling for unity rather than division at a time when tensions have risen across the continent following reports of xenophobic attacks that have drawn strong reactions from several African nations.
“Africa needs to unite and keep moving forward together,” the goalkeeper said.
His comments came ahead of South Africa’s Group A encounter with Czechia, a match that eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. While the result earned Bafana Bafana a valuable point, Williams’ message off the pitch was equally significant as he sought to calm tensions and remind supporters of football’s ability to unite people across borders.
The goalkeeper emphasizes that footballers should be judged by their performances on the field rather than political developments taking place away from the game.
As the World Cup continues, the Bafana Bafana captain hopes attention can return to football, while encouraging Africans to stand together and work towards a more united future.
By Jones Adzi
