Bafana Captain Eyes Historic World Cup Start In Memory Of Brother

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams says the memory of his late brother will inspire him when Bafana Bafana take centre stage in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico.
For Williams, the occasion is about far more than football. The clash in Mexico City brings back memories of South Africa’s opening game at the 2010 World Cup, when the hosts held Mexico to a memorable 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
“That’s the beauty of sport, of football,” Williams reflected. “I can still picture 2010. The energy for that opening game was incredible. The whole nation was behind us.”
Yet beneath the excitement lies a deeply personal story.
Just two months before the 2010 ...