Ronwen Williams trolled after Bafana Bafana’s Afcon 2025 exit

Fans turn on Ronwen Williams after Bafana Bafana’s Afcon 2025 elimination

Bafana Bafana’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has sparked intense debate among South African football fans, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams finding himself at the centre of online criticism following the team’s 2–1 defeat to Cameroon on Sunday.

South Africa’s exit at the last-16 stage left many supporters heartbroken, and emotions quickly spilled onto social media, where Williams began trending on X as frustrated fans searched for answers after another Afcon disappointment.

While the loss was a collective setback, a section of supporters singled out the Bafana Bafana captain, questioning his performances and leadership between the posts.

Some users were particularly harsh, with one post reading, “We really need to be honest about Ronwen Williams. Love or hate me, he’s a useless goalkeeper.”

Another echoed similar sentiments, writing, “We need to be honest about Ronwen Williams, the boy is just overrated. Bafana Bafana must just get a new goalkeeper.”

Others suggested the conversation around Williams had been avoided for too long.

“When I said we must have uncomfortable conversations about Ronwen Williams leading Bafana Bafana, they called me a mad woman,” one user claimed.

Another questioned his continued selection, saying, “I don’t get how he is still the first choice. Sekumnyama nje laphaa.”

The criticism extended beyond Afcon, with one fan accusing Williams of being protected by the coaching staff.

“Ronwen Williams has gotten so comfortable because he knows he’s the coach’s favourite. Can’t wait for him to embarrass us even more at this year’s World Cup,” the user wrote.

Ronwen Williams 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9xw6pLhbhb

— L E S E D I (@_Hybreed_) January 4, 2026

However, not all fans agreed with the backlash. Several supporters came to the goalkeeper’s defence, arguing that blaming Williams ignored the team’s broader issues.

One X user pointed out that Williams had been among South Africa’s standout performers during the tournament, saying, “Ronwen Williams was our best player at this Afcon by a mile. He made us look better than we actually were against Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe, and he pulled off important saves again last night.”

Others shifted the focus to missed chances and tactical decisions.

“How is it that Ronwen Williams is being blamed while our forwards failed to convert so many chances and our defence is disjointed like that?” one fan asked.

Another added, “Blaming Ronwen Williams while your coach put seven defenders on the pitch for the first 60 minutes is madness.”

One supporter called for perspective, urging fans to avoid scapegoating the goalkeeper after a single result.

“I’m not entertaining Ronwen Williams slander on my timeline. One game does not define him, and crucifying him over it is simply not acceptable. Still a top goalkeeper in my books,” the comment read.