“Who Is Ready?”: Nando’s Roasts KFC With Cheeky Bafana Bafana Dig Ahead of South Korea Clash

• Nando's dropped a brilliantly timed post, using the Bafana Bafana vs South Korea World Cup match to take a playful dig at KFC
• The post played on the fact that the match kicks off at 3 am South African time, with Nando's asking who was ready to eat at that hour
• South Africans loved the dig as they laughed and cheered, with the roast being one of the best of the World Cup so far
• Briefly News spoke to entrepreneur Rajesperi Naidoo on why brands often use major sporting events to promote their businesses

Nando's did what Nando's does best. The flame-grilled peri-peri chicken brand posted a photo on their Facebook page on 24 June 2026 with a slightly veiled dig. The image, in Nando's signature yellow font against a starry night sky backdrop, read:

"Who is ready to eat KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) at 3 AM?"

The post left all who saw it reeling. Nando's turned their popular opponent's name into a chicken order, and it got just the reaction they were hoping for.

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Nando's and the art of the roast

This is far from the first time Nando's has used a competitor's name or a national moment to score points on social media. The brand has built a global reputation for its sharp, well-timed humour, and this one was no different.

Calling out KFC by reframing their name as Korean Fried Chicken was simple, clever, and perfectly timed, given the 3 am kick-off that has South Africa setting alarms and staying up to support Bafana Bafana.

More on the Bafana Bafana match

Bafana Bafana face South Korea in their final Group A match at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, with kick-off at 3 am South African time on 25 June 2026.

The match is do-or-die for South Africa. After losing their opening game 2-0 to Mexico and drawing 1-1 with Czechia, Bafana Bafana need a win to have any chance of reaching the Round of 32.

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South Korea only need a draw to advance, giving them a better advantage going into the game.

Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, entrepreneur Rajesperi Naidoo discussed why this marketing strategy works:

"Major events like the FIFA World Cup capture millions of people's attention. It gives these brands the perfect opportunity to join the conversation. A clever, and well-timed post can increase visibility, attract new customers and keep a business top of mind without spending a fortune on advertising."

View the Facebook post below:

SA loves the Nando's Bafana Bafana dig

Mzansi had a field day in the comments section of the Facebook page:

@Nchimanyana Dimo Mosarwe said:

"Boys will always be boys; they do not have the teeth to crack that chicken."

@Lindelani Wagnbietjie Dube wrote:

"Admin walana is always in the kitchen."

@Thandi Ndaba said:

"SiReady!!"

@Naty Hlongwane wrote:

"Oh yes! That's the punchline from the one and only Nando's."

@Thato Rantho said:

"They must win, I want that 1GB."

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@Nerisha Manilal wrote:

"Nando's on the ball."

@Sello Kekae wrote:

"Only Chicken Licken is brave enough to pull this."

@Koko Chisasa said:

"Thinly veiled dig."

More on SA's soccer players

• Briefly News recently reported on Teboho Mokoena being wanted by two Saudi Pro League clubs after his World Cup performances.
• Orlando Pirates have been busy in the transfer market and have signed another South African midfielder ahead of next season.
• Kaizer Chiefs also confirmed that midfielder George Matlou has left the club after his contract expired.

Source: Briefly News