By Charmaine Ndlela
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has announced the winners of the “Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition”, selecting ordinary South Africans to represent the country on football’s biggest stage.
Unveiled at a media briefing at GCIS in Pretoria on Tuesday, McKenzie said the winners had been selected from thousands of entries nationwide.
The winners will travel to Mexico to support Bafana Bafana in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Today, we celebrate the power of football to unite, inspire, and take ordinary South Africans onto the world stage,” McKenzie said.
Among the winners are:
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)
McKenzie said the competition was designed to recognise the passion of South African football fans and give them a platform on the world stage.
“This competition was about more than just winning a trip. It was about giving a platform to the voices of our people,” he said.
Entries were assessed by an independent adjudication panel on enthusiasm, passion for Bafana Bafana and the World Cup, authentic support for their club, and the strength of each fan’s personal story.
Each winner will receive a fully sponsored trip, including flights, accommodation, meals and a match ticket.
McKenzie also said opportunities for wildcard selections would be made public from Wednesday, ensuring that no great story or undeniable passion was left behind.
McKenzie told the winners they would carry the nation’s hopes onto one of football’s biggest stages.
“When you stand in that stadium in Mexico, you carry the flag, the voice, and the heartbeat of millions back home,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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