South Africa national team captain Ronwen Williams has said he is disappointed by false reports linking him to statements he never made, while calling for unity among African nations ahead of their second World Cup match against Czechia to be played on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Speaking to the media, Williams said he has been targeted by attacks on social media due to incorrect reports claiming he spoke about Africans supporting Mexico, a matter he has strongly denied.
“I have never spoken about Africa or the issue of Africans supporting Mexico. I have always said that we as Africans are one and we should help each other in good times and bad,” Williams said.
Williams sends message to fans
The goalkeeper explained that footballers are also human beings who face various challenges, and are sometimes affected by false information spread off the field.
Williams added that sports have the power to unite people from different nations, explaining that he has witnessed Africans, South Africans and Mexicans enjoying the atmosphere of the World Cup together in Atlanta.
Sending a message to football fans, Williams said it is important to evaluate players by what they do on the field rather than involving them in political debates, while insisting that political issues should be dealt with by politicians.
