Mama Joy – MDNtv

Mama Joy Excluded from World Cup Trip as Bafana Bafana Heads to Mexico

Sam Thangwane — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:55:14 +0000

As Bafana Bafana prepares for one of the biggest moments in South African football history, one familiar face will be missing from the stands.

Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke, arguably the country’s most recognisable football supporter, has revealed that she will be watching South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign from the comfort of her home after being excluded from the official group of supporters travelling to Mexico.

For decades, Mama Joy’s colourful outfits, unwavering passion and infectious energy have made her a fixture at major sporting events. Whether waving flags, leading chants or proudly representing South African supporters on the global stage, she has become synonymous with the country’s sporting culture.

That is why her absence from the World Cup has sparked a wave of reaction among football fans.

Disappointment After Missing Final Selection

Chauke confirmed that she did not make the final list of supporters selected through a process overseen by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

The veteran superfan expressed disappointment at the decision, particularly given her long-standing contribution to South African football support. She also questioned what she sees as inconsistencies in the selection process, noting that approximately R800,000 had previously been spent to send her and another supporter to international tournaments, yet only the other supporter was included for the Mexico trip.

Her comments have reignited debate about how supporters are chosen to represent South Africa at major international events.

Sponsorship Plans Fall Through

Earlier indications suggested that Chauke had secured private sponsorship through a sports brand that would enable her to travel independently to the World Cup.

However, recent developments appear to have derailed those plans.

In a social media post that quickly attracted attention, Chauke confirmed that she would not be making the journey.

“All Superfans are there except Mamajoy… She will watch on TV, no Problem,” she wrote.

Despite the disappointment, Chauke struck a tone of acceptance, thanking her ancestors and expressing gratitude for what she described as God’s guidance. She also congratulated the supporters who were selected to attend the tournament.

Government Defends Selection Process

McKenzie’s office has defended the decision, insisting that the selection process was designed to create opportunities for ordinary supporters who have never before received such an experience.

The initiative, branded as a “Lucky Fans Competition”, aims to spread opportunities more broadly rather than repeatedly funding the same individuals.

The minister has publicly stated that there is no personal issue or grudge against Mama Joy and that the decision was driven by fairness and limited resources.

Fans Divided Over Mama Joy’s Absence

The controversy has exposed a divide among South African football supporters.

Many believe Mama Joy has earned her place at major tournaments through years of loyal support and her role in promoting South African sport both locally and internationally.

Others argue that new supporters should also have the opportunity to experience a World Cup and represent the country’s passionate fan base.

The debate has unfolded across social media, with supporters sharing mixed views about whether South Africa’s most famous football fan should have been included.

Bafana’s World Cup Journey Begins

While discussion around Mama Joy continues, attention is rapidly shifting to the football itself.

Bafana Bafana will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

As South Africans prepare to rally behind the national team, many supporters will notice one familiar figure missing from the sea of green and gold.

For the first time in years, Mama Joy will not be cheering from the stands. Instead, she will join millions of South Africans watching from home, hoping to see Bafana Bafana make history on football’s biggest stage.

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BOTHA MSILA SELECTED FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP TRIP BY GAYTON MCKENZIE

MDNtv — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:13:11 +0000

Botha Msila has officially been selected by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The passionate football supporter from Siwelele in Bloemfontein will represent South African fans at the global tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This forms part of Minister McKenzie’s initiative to send dedicated supporters to cheer for South Africa national football team on the world stage.

Msila’s selection has received strong support from football fans, especially in the Free State, where he is widely known for his energy and loyalty at matches.

Meanwhile, popular superfan Mama Joy Chauke was not selected following public debate over government funding for superfans earlier this year.

In this video:
• Why Botha Msila was selected
• Gayton McKenzie’s World Cup supporter initiative
• Public reaction from football fans
• Latest update involving Mama Joy

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Round Two: McKenzie gets one over Mama Joy

MDN tv — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:11:03 +0000

Sports minister Gayton McKenzie has taken a step that is likely to irk super fan Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke even more.

McKenzie has pledged to find independent sponsors to enable fans to accompany Bafana Bafana to the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the US.

Mama Joy trended over the weekend for her fallout with the minister whom she accused of ‘not liking’ the fans who usually go with the national team to big tournaments.

After learning that the department of sports would no longer sponsor fans, Mama Joy took to X to voice her dissatisfaction.

“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.

And now on Monday, McKenzie has promised to phone a few possible sponsors to help take fans to the World Cup in June.

“I think we should have each club nominate the best and most consistent supporter for a trip to the World Cup,” wrote McKenzie.

“It has to be someone who rarely misses a game. I will start calling sponsors…”

It is clear that Mama Joy will be left out of this arrangement if it happens as she currently does not support any local team.

She had jumped ship and left Orlando Pirates for the now defunct Royal AM when it was launched s few years ago.

But the club, led by flamboyant Durban businesswoman Shauwm Mkhize was dissolved by SARS last year.

Shauwn Mkhize has since bought Mbanane Highlanders in Eswatini, and Mama Joy followed her.

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Super fan Mama Joy and Sports Minister feud over World Cup travel

MDN tv — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:04:38 +0000

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.”

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