Superfan Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke has made it to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup to watch Bafana Bafana’s opening match against Mexico.
There was plenty of uncertainty about whether Mama Joy would make it to the World Cup to support the national soccer team.
Bafana are set to feature at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the showpiece back in 2010. Hugo Broos’ side is in Group A, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City in the World Cup.
Mama Joy had made a public plea to get funding for superfans to get to Mexico after Minister Gayton McKenzie said there are no funds to accommodate them.
“To all South fans, let’s just accept no World Cup for us. Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture won’t be able to help us,” tweeted Mama Joy.
“You are on your own. Let’s just pray for the [SA] president [Cyril Ramaphosa] to give us a new Minister of Sport who loves fans.”
Many criticised Mama Joy, labelling her entitled to be financially sponsored for the trip. With some arguing that she might have to sit this one out because she had gone to numerous World Cups before.
McKenzie responded spicily to Mama Joy that she should get her French husband to pay for her trip. Well, Mama Joy has made it to Mexico, and no, her husband did not foot the bill.
Mama Joy’s trip was made possible by her becoming the brand ambassador for the emerging African sports and fitness company abOVEnormal.
Mama Joy’s supporters are rejoicing that she was able to get to Mexico and be able to support Bafana Bafana.
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