Bafana Bafana super fan Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke has lashed out at sports minister Gayton McKenzie after his department announced it has stopped sponsoring fans to attend tournaments.
This announcement means no supporters will be sent by the department to support Bafana during the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and US in June.
The news caught Mama Joy by surprise, and she was left cursing the day McKenzie was made sports minister.
“To all SA fans let’s just accept no Worldcup for us. @GaytonMcK @MinisterMcK @SportArtsCultur won’t be able to help us.
“You are at your own (sic). Let’s just pray for the President to give us a new Minister of sport that can love fans,” wrote Mama Joy.
One of the supporters, in reply, suggested that the department was reviewing its sponsorship policy.
However McKenzie denied this suggestion, saying he would not pacify angry supporters with lies.
“Why should I lie using diplomatic language. Our policy is not under review, should I mislead people by soothing them,” replied McKenzie.
“We are not going to pay for super fans as a department. It’s unfair because SA is full of super fans.”
Mama Joy also appealed to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to help South African fans to get the the World Cup.
“Thanks @FIFAcom President @GianniInfantino @BafanaBafana has qualified,” she wrote to FIFA and Infantino.
“I would like to be there. I am asking any help from any one to help me attend the World Cup 2026 @GaytonMcK won’t pay for fans especially Mamajoy.”