Sunday, 9 August 2026

Mark Williams launched the Mark Williams Foundation at the Wanderers Golf Club, saying it is meant to give back, support young people in townships and rural areas, and promote life after football.

He said the foundation will target schools and disadvantaged communities to steer children away from gangsterism, arguing sport gave him discipline, opportunity and an international career.

Williams recalled nearly missing AFCON 1996 after being offered two million pounds to stay in England, but chose South Africa over money and later became a national hero.

South Africa’s 1996 AFCON final win over Tunisia was replayed: Mark Williams scored both second-half goals after a Clive Barker substitution call, sealing the title 2-0.

Former teammates and legends, including Sean Bartlett and Brian Baloyi, backed the launch, while Bartlett said Bafana’s 2023 bronze at AFCON showed the current squad can now push for the title in Morocco.