Sports Minister reveals Bafana fans headed to World Cup

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, has revealed the initial winners of the “Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition,” a new initiative designed to send passionate supporters to cheer on the national team.

The competition was established by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture following public debate over the cost of sending well-known superfan Mama Joy to international events. Minister McKenzie noted that her recent trip to the Rugby World Cup cost the department over R800,000.

McKenzie moves to clip Mama Joy’s wings

South Africa superfan Mama Joy Chauke. Photo: Mama Joy Chauke X.

In response, McKenzie’s department created a new programme to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a larger group of fans. The application process was hosted on the department’s website and closed on Sunday, May 3.

On Tuesday, the Minister announced the first 16 winners, each representing a different Premier Soccer League (PSL) club. Four additional “wildcard” spots are still to be decided.

The department provided further details on the initiative, which is a collaboration with two major sponsors. A total of 20 South African football fans will receive a fully-sponsored trip to watch Bafana Bafana’s opening group-stage match against Mexico in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.

The all-expenses-paid prize package includes:

Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced the winners of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition, with the selected supporters set to receive all-expenses-paid trips to Mexico City to cheer on Bafana Bafana at their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match. pic.twitter.com/EGlDy4fC9P
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) May 5, 2026

Return flights to Mexico
Three nights’ accommodation including meals, near the venue
A match ticket to Mexico vs Bafana Bafana, 11 June 2026
Ground transfers and travel support throughout the trip

While sixteen spots were reserved for one fan from each PSL club, the four wildcard positions are open to any South African, regardless of their club affiliation. To enter, fans had to submit a 30-second video clip, which could be in any of South Africa’s 12 official languages.

An expert panel of eight judges reviewed all submissions, evaluating them based on enthusiasm, passion, fan energy, storytelling, and club representation. The panel’s decisions are final, and no further correspondence will be considered.