Anti-migrant hate turns African football fans against Bafana at World Cup

In a Kenyan sports bar, several football fans cheered South Africa’s opponents in their latest match at the World Cup – reflecting a wave of anger at the country’s recent xenophobic violence.

“Everything is political in football. We’re against what South Africa is standing for,” said Shahim, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman, clenching her fists in joy every time the South African team missed an opportunity against the Czech Republic on Thursday night.

“We want (South Africans) to react against what is happening in their country... But nothing happens,” she added.

South Africa has been gripped for months by protests demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants.

READ | Anti-SA sentiment hits Bafana camp with unprecedented online abuse: ‘It hurts’

The marches have never exceeded a few thousand people, but they have been accompanied by a torrent of xenophobic hatred online and received significant media attention.

That has flipped the usual script during the World Cup, when African nations traditionally support each other.

“We support all the other African teams. This is to teach them that there are consequences,” said Shahim’s friend, Fatma, a 34-year-old farmer.

“When you have a superiority complex, you suffer alone,” she added.

South Africa says it has repatriated 2 745 foreigners following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promise to crack down on illegal immigration.

Ghana and Nigeria have repatriated several hundred of their citizens, and some 600 Mozambicans returned home after violence in the Western Cape city of Mossel Bay that left at least two dead.

It has shocked many across the continent and turned football fans against Bafana Bafana, as the South African team is known.

There was joy when the team lost 2-0 to Mexico in Mexico