Mama Joy Reacts After Securing World Cup Ticket Outside Government Funding
- Mama Joy has gotten one over the Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, as she secured a World Cup trip without government funding
- The South African superfan has been having a back-and-forth with the minister for weeks on social media, but she's finally gotten what she wants
- She has shared updates and comments on social media after securing a trip for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
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South African superfan Joyce Chauke, popularly known as Mama Joy, has finally found a breakthrough and will be travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America to support Bafana Bafana, with her trip now backed by private sponsorship rather than government support.
The former Orlando Pirates was poised to miss out on going for the World after a heated exchange on social media with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, but she has secured an ambassadorial position with the emerging African sports brand abOVEnormal, which will fully sponsor her attendance at the tournament.
Source: Twitter
The dispute began when Mama Joy voiced her frustration over the government’s decision not to finance fans’ travel to the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Her criticism escalated into a public spat between her and McKenzie.
McKenzie’s response attracted backlash online due to its personal and sarcastic tone, especially referring to Mama Joy's husband.
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Mama Joy reacts after securing World Cup trip
Despite the controversy, Chauke confirmed on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, that she has partnered with abOVEnormal and will indeed be present at the global tournament.
In an interview with City Press, she expressed joy at the development and referenced God in her speech.
“I am going to the World Cup. I am excited and over the moon about this opportunity,” she said. “To me, this shows that persistence pays off. When God says yes, nobody can say no.”
Chauke also pointed to her connection with Masingita Masunga, founder of abOVEnormal, as a major reason for embracing the partnership. Masunga, who lives with cerebral palsy, is widely recognised in South Africa for her advocacy around disability inclusion and women’s empowerment.
“I didn’t hesitate when I got the call to become an ambassador,” Chauke said. “They represent a meaningful cause, and I hope my role helps expand their mission of uplifting others.”
The partnership will continue beyond the World Cup, with both Chauke and Masunga already involved in a promotional campaign across Limpopo.
Masunga comments on partnership with Mama Joy
Masunga described the collaboration as an obvious decision and confirmed that the brand will be driving fundraising efforts to support Chauke’s trip.
Source: Getty Images
“We are already on our way to Limpopo to spread the message,” she said. “We are also planning fundraising initiatives to encourage public contributions toward this goal.”
She added that abOVEnormal seeks to position itself as a leading African sports and fitness brand focused on empowerment and pushing personal limits. “Rising abOVEnormal is more than a slogan—it’s a movement,” she said.
Mama Joy addresses previous World Cup funding
Briefly News earlier reported that Mama Joy addressed the issue of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket she's having with Gayton McKenzie.
Mama Joy went on an interview to confirm how she had earlier funded her trips to the previous World Cups she attended in support of South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
