BAFANA Bafana leaders Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ronwen Williams (squad captain) and Themba Zwane during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Send-Off at Standard Bank Headquarters in Rosebank on Wednesday.
Image: BackpagePix
War is fought on many fronts, and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams showed he understands that as he called on the nation to get behind the national squad and pray for the players headed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will hoist the South African flag among 47 other footballing nations.
The World Cup of the Americas — to be hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada and the USA — will be played between June 11 and July 19.
Scenes of the only African World Cup to date are already becoming more vivid for many football supporters at the mere mention of Bafana, as the South Africans will yet again play the opening match of the showpiece against none other than Mexico.
In the 2010 World Cup, the two nations played out a 1-1 stalemate, with Bafana legend Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring the first goal of the tournament.
On Wednesday, Bafana sponsors Standard Bank hosted a send-off ceremony. Taking to the podium, Mzansi’s number one urged the nation to do their bit and get behind the national team.
“We can achieve so much more. With unity, with strength, we can achieve big things. We feel the unity, we feel the support… I want to urge everyone: Get behind the team, get behind the players. Support us! Send us those well wishes! Pray for us!
“And us as a team, we’ll carry the whole nation on our backs and give our all,” said Williams, as he asked all the players to stand and receive a round of applause from the crowd in attendance.
The jubilation that followed thereafter will be regarded as a nod from the fans that they indeed are going to get behind the national team and play their part.
Completing Group A alongside Mexico and South Africa are the Republic of Korea and Czechia.