NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — South Africa’s national football team is facing hostility from some African fans at the World Cup, as anger over recent xenophobic violence in the country spills into stadiums and sports bars across the continent.
In a Nairobi sports bar, several fans openly cheered for South Africa’s opponents during Thursday’s match against the Czech Republic. “Everything is political in football. We’re against what South Africa is standing for,” said Shahim, a 37year old Kenyan, celebrating each missed opportunity by the Bafana Bafana. Her friend Fatma added: “We support all the other African teams. This is to teach them that there are consequences.”
South Africa has been rocked by months of protests demanding the removal of undocumented immigrants. Though the marches have been relatively small, they have been accompanied by widespread online xenophobia and violent incidents, including clashes in Mossel Bay that left at least two dead. Authorities say thousands of foreigners have since been repatriated, including citizens of Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique.
Traditionally, African nations rally behind each other at the World Cup, but the violence has shifted sentiment. A popular meme after South Africa’s loss to Mexico showed the continent covered in the Mexican flag, excluding South Africa. Even a Confederation of African Football spokesperson briefly joined the criticism online, before later urging unity.
Not all fans share the hostility. Edwin, a 50year old Kenyan communications professional, said: “You can’t judge a whole country because of a minority.” Others, like Richie, a Tanzanian consultant, argued South Africans should remember the solidarity they received during apartheid. “Unless they change, we will do it over and over,” he said.
The South African Football Association condemned the “online harassment and abusive messages” directed at players, calling it unacceptable. Team captain Ronwen Williams admitted the backlash has been painful. “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 get into that space,” he told reporters.
