Bafana Bafana’s most famous supporter, Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke, is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a fiery social media row unexpectedly turned into a major sponsorship win.
What started as frustration over government support for fans travelling to North America quickly escalated into a public spat with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, drawing widespread attention online. The exchange sparked controversy after McKenzie’s sarcastic remarks went viral and triggered backlash.
But in a twist straight out of a soap opera, Mama Joy’s World Cup worries have now been wiped away after she landed a fully sponsored deal with rising African sports brand abOVEnormal. She has also been appointed as an ambassador for the brand ahead of the tournament.
Speaking after the announcement, she could hardly hide her excitement. “I am going to the World Cup. I am excited and over the moon,” she said, adding that the opportunity came at just the right time.
Behind the scenes, the deal was reportedly sealed through her connection with abOVEnormal founder Masingita Masunga, who has been praised for her work in empowerment and disability advocacy.
The partnership means Mama Joy will not only attend the tournament but also feature in promotional campaigns leading up to the global event.
From social media drama to a dream trip secured, Mama Joy’s World Cup story has quickly become one of the most talked-about supporter sagas of the year.
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