Minister McKenzie And Deputy Minister Mabe issue final call for three clubs as competition reaches its conclusion
Entry window reopens briefly for fans of Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City, and Stellenbosch FC – closes 17:00 Monday 11 May 2026
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe today announced a brief, targeted reopening of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition entry window for fans of three PSL clubs, as the competition enters its final phase ahead of the announcement of all twenty (20) winners.
The reopening at midday today addresses two matters: clubs whose fans did not submit any entries across either the original or extended competition windows, and a vacancy that has arisen following the disqualification of a previously identified winner who did not meet the passport eligibility requirement stated at the time of entry.
Entry opens on Sunday 10 May 12:00 and closes 17:00 on Monday 11 May 2026.
The Minister said: “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. 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.”
Final Call: Fans Without Representation
Post-competition analysis confirmed that no entries were received from fans of the following two clubs during any phase of the competition:
- Sekhukhune United FC
- Polokwane City FC
Minister McKenzie has directed that the entry window be reopened exclusively for fans of these two clubs. This is a final opportunity, and there will be no further extensions. We are looking for authentic passion, compelling personal stories, and genuine club pride. Fans must show why they deserve to carry their club’s colours to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. These entries will be verified with the owners and managers of the clubs in question to verify that they are indeed their recognised fans.
Stellenbosch FC: Vacancy Created by Disqualification
A spot has also become available following the disqualification of the previously identified winner representing Stellenbosch FC. The winner was found not to hold a valid South African passport at the time of entry, in contravention of a clearly stated eligibility requirement. In accordance with the competition’s terms and conditions, that winner has been disqualified and the spot reopened.
Stellenbosch FC fans are therefore invited to submit a fresh entry before 17:00 on Monday 11 May 2026. New entries will be assessed by the Ministry alongside any qualifying entries previously received from Stellenbosch supporters, and the strongest entry will be selected.
Orlando Pirates: Administrative Error Corrected
Following post-competition verification, an administrative error was identified in the adjudication process for entries submitted by Orlando Pirates fans. The error resulted in the highest-scoring entry from that club not being correctly recognised as the winner. This has now been rectified, and the fan in question will be included in the full complement of twenty winners travelling to Mexico. They will be contacted directly.
“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.
One remaining wildcard
The final slot will be awarded by the Minister to a wildcard participant, who will also be announced on Wednesday.
What Happens Next
- Monday 11 May 2026 – Entry window closes at 17:00 for the three eligible clubs
- Tuesday 12 May 2026 – 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
Following the announcement, the new winners will need to act immediately to begin their Mexican visa application process. A valid South African passport with at least six months’ validity beyond June 2026 and two or more blank pages is required. Winners unable to produce a valid passport will be disqualified and their spot reallocated without appeal.
How to Enter
This phase of the competition is open only to fans of Sekhukhune United FC, Polokwane City FC, and Stellenbosch FC. Eligible fans must submit a 30-second video entry – together with their full name, SA ID number, passport number and expiry date, mobile number, email address, and PSL club – at:
https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/DSAC_LuckyFan_WC26/
Only one entry per person is permitted. Clips longer than 30 seconds will be disqualified. Entries are accepted in any of South Africa’s official languages. All eligibility requirements – including valid passport, South African citizenship or permanent residency, and availability to travel in June 2026 – remain in force. Entries from fans of other clubs will not be considered during this phase.
For enquiries: LuckyFans@dsac.gov.za
For media enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 72 172 8925
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
