The additional group will travel to Monterrey in Mexico to attend Bafana Bafana’s third group stage match on June 24. (Photo: Austin Johnson/AFP)
Soccer fever is running high in the run-up to the World Cup soccer tournament and now 18 more passionate South African soccer fans have had the opportunity to support Bafana Bafana in Mexico.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says the additional group will travel to Monterrey in Mexico to attend Bafana Bafana’s third group stage match on June 24. This extension of the “Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans” competition is made possible thanks to sponsorships by Cell C, Old School, HONOR and Betway.
This follows the overwhelming success and positive national reception of the original competition, where supporters were selected to attend Bafana’s opening match against Mexico on June 11 in Mexico City, the department says in a statement.
With the addition of the Monterrey group, the total number of South African fans who can attend matches through this initiative increases significantly.
Partnerships make dreams come true
Gayton McKenzie, the minister of sport, arts and culture, welcomed the extensive partnership and supporter program and expressed his gratitude to the companies that are making this dream a reality for more South Africans.
“When Cell C, Old School, HONOR and Betway came on board with additional partnership support, the answer was simple: more South Africans in the stands to support Bafana Bafana. That’s what this initiative is all about.
“We want Mexico to hear Mzansi and we are grateful to our partners who helped make this possible,” said McKenzie.
The minister says the impact of the campaign is much greater than just the trips themselves, as it fuels the whole country’s spirit.
“Nothing could prepare us for the joy that this initiative brought – not only for the lucky fans themselves, but also for football fans across South Africa.”
Who’s on the road?
The group of 18 supporters traveling to Monterrey consists of one supporter representing each of the 16 Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs. Two more supporters are invited and can be any South African football supporter, regardless of which club they support.
Supporters of Orbit College FC are not eligible for this particular group as Kruger United replaces Orbit College FC for the purpose of this competition.
All the chosen supporters’ costs are covered in full. This includes return tickets to Monterrey, accommodation with meals included, match tickets, transport and travel support.
To enter, fans must submit a 30-second video in which they express their passion for Bafana, loyalty to their PSL club, fan energy and personal motivation why they should represent South Africa at the World Cup.
Entries will be independently judged based on enthusiasm, authenticity, creativity and supporter spirit.
Important dates, requirements
However, the time to register is very short and those interested should jump quickly. The competition already opened on Sunday and it closes again on Tuesday 2 June at 17:00. The winners will be announced shortly thereafter.
Admission to the competition is limited to South African citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and over with a valid South African passport and who are available to travel in June. Employees and direct family members of the department and its partner organizations may not enter.
The department encouraged all South Africans to participate in the campaign by visiting the website and submitting their entries.