SA picks 16 fans for World Cup in Mexico

Pretoria – South African Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced the 16 winners of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, giving ordinary football supporters a fully sponsored trip to Mexico to watch Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

McKenzie made the announcement during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, describing the moment as one of national pride.

“Today is a proud and exciting moment for our country. Today, we celebrate the power of football to unite, inspire, and take ordinary South Africans onto the world stage,” he said.

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The competition was launched to give local supporters a chance to attend Bafana Bafana’s opening World Cup match in Mexico. Entries poured in from across the country, with fans submitting their stories, energy and love for the national team.

“South Africans responded in their thousands. From every corner of the country, fans sent us their stories, their energy, their pride, and their love for Bafana Bafana. We saw creativity, we saw passion, and most importantly, we saw the true spirit of Mzansi,” McKenzie said.

An independent adjudication panel, led by veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa, assessed entries based on enthusiasm, passion for football, authenticity of support and the strength of each participant’s personal story. One winner was selected from each Premier Soccer League (PSL) club.

The 16 winners are Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza from Orlando Pirates, Sebe Thusi from TS Galaxy, Adam Mtombeni from Kaizer Chiefs, Konelo John Tahlo from Siwelele FC, Ndumiso Zondi from AmaZulu FC, Ernest Jacobs from Stellenbosch FC, Hlekulani Kobe from Magesi FC, Happiness Dumakude from Lamontville Golden Arrows, Vennitious Motswi from Kaizer Chiefs, Obakeng Mokgara from Mamelodi Sundowns, Mamello Constance Makha from Mamelodi Sundowns, Mickey Seroke Mokone from Orbit College FC, Adam Schlosberg from Chippa United, Thaven Pillay from Durban City FC, Salmaan Khan from Richards Bay FC and Tshegofatso Sello from Marumo Gallants FC.

McKenzie said additional winners and wildcard selections will still be announced, with details to be made public from Wednesday.

Each winner receives a fully sponsored experience covering flights, accommodation, meals and a match ticket to Bafana Bafana’s opening World Cup fixture in Mexico.

“These winners will travel to Mexico to support Bafana Bafana in their opening match of the World Cup. Each winner will receive a fully sponsored experience , flights, accommodation, meals and a match ticket, but more than that, they carry something priceless: the hopes, the pride, and the spirit of South Africa,” McKenzie said.

The minister described the selected fans as more than just supporters. “To our winners: you are not just fans; you are representatives of a nation. When you stand in that stadium in Mexico, you carry the flag, the voice, and the heartbeat of millions back home,” he said.

“This is what we mean when we say sport has the power to change lives. South Africa, your time is now. Bafana Bafana, the nation is behind you. And to our lucky fans: go and show the world what it means to be proudly South African,” McKenzie added.