The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture announced an additional 19 ‘lucky fans’ heading to Mexico ahead of the clash between Bafana Bafana and South Korea. Rory Petzer, a local sports content creator, was among the supporters, a decision many South Africans approved.
Rory, also known as the ‘Minister of Champions’ online, made a name for himself by showing unwavering support for South Africa’s national sports teams.
Also see: Mama Joy brags about World Cup TV appearance: ‘Only superfan shown’
A few months ago, Minister Gayton McKenzie’s department launched an initiative to send South African soccer fans to one of Bafana’s matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lucky fans announced
On 17 June 2026, the department released a statement noting that the fans were heading to Monterey, with McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe concluding the final phase of the ‘Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition.’
The statement further explained that the following supporters achieved the highest scores and were selected to represent their respective Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs:
- Thulani Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Nishai Kooverjee (Orlando Pirates)
- Yolisa Mtumtum (AmaZulu FC)
- Innocent Xolani Khanyile (Richards Bay FC)
- Zolani Vuma (Sekhukhune United FC)
- Arthur Bacchus (Stellenbosch FC)
- Manuel Ngobeni (TS Galaxy FC)
- Faheem Moolla (Magesi FC)
- Bhongolethu Tobela (Chippa United FC)
- Nkanyiso Ndlovu (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
- Tebogo Thomas Ntetshe (Siwelele FC)
- Thando Ntshumeni (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Moratuwa Adeline Dibakwane (Polokwane City FC)
- Nikita Doorgha (Durban City FC)
- Mothunzi Edwin Tigedi (Marumo Gallants FC)
- Rory Petzer (Wildcard)
- Emilio Hartogh (Wildcard)
- Daniel du Preez (Wildcard)
- Zolani Stemela (Wildcard)
“No entries were received from Kruger United FC,” they shared.
Media Statement
17 June 202619 Lucky Fan Winners Confirmed for Bafana Bafana match in Monterrey, Mexico.
Full Statement: https://t.co/1AOg08aOLP #InspiringANationOfWinners #BafanaMzansiIsBehindYou #WorldCupLuckyFans #BafanaBafana #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/R2CwpBFhld
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) June 17, 2026
Also see: Mama Joy secures her own bag after Gayton McKenzie turns the taps off for superfans
SA shows excitement for Rory Petzer
Some of the chosen supporters took to social media to express their happiness after seeing Rory’s name on the list. Rory also hopped online to show his excitement.
CHAMPIONS! I’M GOING TO MEXICO! SAY WHAAAAAAATTTTTT?????? THANK YOU @SportArtsCultur and Honourable @GaytonMcK and all the sponsors and everyone! 🥹❤️🇿🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/zOsSjptXKd
— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) June 17, 2026
@Da_Me_3 shared, “This is the only influencer that has to be everywhere.”
“That’s so cool, Rory. You deserve it,” wrote @mogale_mst.
“Nice, well deserved! Proper fan. He is going to eat his daily bread, plus some tacos and those nachos,” a pleased @CrackeJon stated.
Also see: Minister of Sport announces Super Fan squad heading to the World Cup
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