By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Gayton McKenzie announced the 16 winning supporters of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition during a media briefing at Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre in Tshwane.
McKenzie said the competition had drawn thousands of entries from across the country.
“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.
The competition was launched to give local supporters an opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 and support the national team, Bafana Bafana, in their opening match in Mexico.
“A few days ago, we launched the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, a simple but powerful idea: give our passionate supporters a chance to represent South Africa at the biggest sporting event on earth — the FIFA World Cup 2026,” McKenzie said.
He noted that entries reflected the passion and diversity of South African football supporters.
A total of 16 winners were announced, each representing a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club:
- Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza (Orlando Pirates)
- Sebe Thusi (TS Galaxy)
- Adam Mtombeni (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Konelo John Tahlo (Siwelele FC)
- Ndumiso Zondi (AmaZulu FC)
- Ernest Jacobs (Stellenbosch FC)
- Hlekulani Kobe (Magesi FC)
- Happiness Dumakude (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
- Vennitious Motswi (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Obakeng Mokgara (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mamello Constance Makha (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mickey Seroke Mokone (Orbit College FC)
- Adam Schlosberg (Chippa United)
- Thaven Pillay (Durban City FC)
- Salmaan Khan (Richards Bay FC)
- Tshegofatso Sello (Marumo Gallants FC)
According to the Minister, additional winners and wildcard selections will still be announced.
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, “the Minister said.