Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Minister of Sport announces Super Fan squad heading to the World Cup 

6 months By Chumasande Matiwane

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

Also see: Mama Joy pleads for funding to watch Bafana Bafana at 2026 World Cup

The competition was established by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture after public debate over the cost of sending well-known superfan Mama Joy to international events.

The Minister, Mr McKenzie, noted that her recent trip to the Rugby World Cup cost the department over R800,000.
In a statement, GaytonMcKenzie’s department said, “The new programme is to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a larger group of fans”.

Yesterday, the Minister announced the first 16 winners representing different Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs, with four additional “wildcard” spots still to be decided.

Also see: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup 2026 fixtures: when to watch and why it matters 

The lucky 16 fans are:

1. Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza (Orlando Pirates)
2. ⁠Sebe Thusi (TS Galaxy)
3. ⁠Adam Mtombeni (Kaizer Chiefs)
4. ⁠Konelo John Tahlo (Siwelele FC)
5. ⁠Ndumiso Zondi (AmaZulu FC)
6. ⁠Ernest Jacobs (Stellenbosch FC)
7. ⁠Hlekulani Kobe (Magesi FC)
8. ⁠Happiness Dumakude (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
9. ⁠Vennitious Motswi (Kaizer Chiefs)
10. ⁠Obakeng Mokgara (Mamelodi Sundowns)
11. ⁠MamelloConstance Makha (Mamelodi Sundowns)
12. ⁠Mickey Seroke Mokone (Orbit College FC)
13. ⁠Adam Schlosberg (Chippa United)
14. ⁠ThavenPillay (Durban City FC)
15. ⁠Salmaan Khan (Richards Bay FC)
16. ⁠Tshegofatso Sello (Marino Gallants FC)

The 20 South African football fans will all receive a fully sponsored trip to watch Bafana Bafana’s opening group-stage match against Mexico in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.

Also see: Zinedine Zidane to take over as French head coach after the World Cup

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

ENTERTAINMENT

Moments from OFF-WHITE Masquerade showcase in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s cultural scene reached new heights as the inaugural OFF-WHITE Masquerade gathered creatives, entrepreneurs, and lifestyle tastemakers at the picturesque Pere House in Midrand. Also see: BONA FINDS: NIGHT MARKETS TO TRY IN JOHANNESBURG Designed as an immersive outdoor gathering, the event celebrated the vibrant intersection of local fashion design, live alternative jazz, curated culinary […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

Cat Matlala tells Madlanga Commission IDAC investigators wanted him to implicate top police generals

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has made fresh allegations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, claiming that investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) approached him while he was detained at the Kokstad Correctional Centre’s C-Max facility. Also see: Bheki Cele faces possible prosecution over alleged Cat Matlala-linked benefits Cat told the commission that […]

Read more...
ENTERTAINMENT

Ashley Ogle shines as Africa’s top female brand influencer

South African influencer Ashley Ogle is celebrating a major achievement after being named Africa Golden Top Female Brand Influencer, adding another milestone to her growing profile in the influencer and branding space. Also see: Ashley Ogle turns heads as she models three stunning wedding dresses The recognition celebrates her influence, personal brand and contribution to […]

Read more...