Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Reopens World Cup Fan Comp For Three PSL Clubs

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has reopened the 'Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition' for supporters of three Betway Premiership clubs, nearly a week after announcing 16 initial winners.

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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe have reopened the "Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition" for supporters of three Betway Premiership clubs, Polokwane City, Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United, giving fans one final opportunity to secure a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.

The announcement comes less than a week after the Minister unveiled the competition's initial 16 winners, with the campaign now entering its final phase ahead of the confirmation of all 20 travelling supporters.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that the competition window briefly reopened at midday on 10 May and will officially close at 17:00 on Monday, 11 May 2026.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe have reopened the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition for supporters of Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City & Stellenbosch FC.

More: https://t.co/1zLcxrYq28#WorldCupLuckyFans pic.twitter.com/KC192cz5xQ

The reopening addresses two key issues identified during the post-competition review process.

Firstly, officials confirmed that no entries had been received from supporters of Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City across both the original and extended competition windows. Minister McKenzie subsequently instructed that the competition be reopened exclusively for fans of the two clubs to ensure they also had an opportunity to participate.

"This competition belongs to the fans – to every South African who loves this game and wants to be part of history in Mexico. We have done everything in our power to make this accessible and fair, and I am not going to close the door on supporters of clubs who never had the chance to put their hand up. said Minister McKenzie, as quoted in the Department's statement.

"This is a final call, and I want those fans to bring everything they have got. Show me your passion, show me your club, and show me why you belong in Mexico City on the eleventh of June," added McKenzie in the statement.

The Department added that all submissions from Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City supporters will undergo verification processes involving club owners and management to confirm the authenticity of the entries.

The second major development involves Stellenbosch FC supporters after one previously selected winner was disqualified for failing to meet one of the competition’s key eligibility requirements.

According to the statement, the individual did not possess a valid South African passport at the time of entry, resulting in immediate disqualification in line with the competition's terms and conditions.

As a result, Stellenbosch FC fans have now also been granted another opportunity to enter before Monday's 17:00 deadline, with both new and previously qualifying submissions set to be reassessed before a final winner is selected.

Meanwhile, the Department also confirmed that an administrative error affected the adjudication process involving Orlando Pirates supporters.

Following an internal review, officials discovered that the highest-scoring Pirates entry had not initially been recognised as the club's winner. The issue has since been corrected, and the supporter will now officially form part of the final group travelling to Mexico.

"I want to be clear that the integrity of this process matters deeply to me. When we identified this error, we acted immediately to put it right. This fan earned their place, and they will be going to Mexico. That is what fairness looks like," added the Minister.

The final wildcard winner selected personally by Minister McKenzie is expected to be announced alongside the remaining successful entrants on Wednesday.

Monday 11 May 2026 – Entry window closes at 17:00 for the three eligible clubs

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 – The Ministry reviews the new entries and also verifies them with the remaining clubs

Wednesday 13 May 2026 – Final winners announced; all twenty fans now notified

As per the department's statement, the new winners must take immediate action to start their Mexican visa application process after the announcement.

A valid South African passport is required, which should have at least six months of validity beyond June 2026 and at least two blank pages. Winners who cannot provide a valid passport will be disqualified, and their spot will be reallocated without the possibility of appeal.

Eligible fans of Babina Noko, Stellies and Rise & Shine can submit their 30-second videos HERE.