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.
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
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
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