SA soccer fan 'Mama Joy' to join SAFA at FIFA World Cup draw in Qatar

Mama Joy Chauke, the South African National Supporters (Sanasu) Secretary-General, will travel to Doha as she has been invited to attend next month's Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup draw.

Mama Joy's face is well-known around South Africa as she is a staunch fan of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana, and before Covid-19, her support was always seen in the stands when they were playing.

She has since cut ties with the Buccaneers and put all her support behind DStv Premiership newbies Royal Am. 

Mama Joy has been invited exclusively by the South African Football Association (SAFA) delegation for the draw that will take place on Friday, 1 April.

Mama Joy will be joined by SAFA president Danny Jordaan, deputy president Irvin Khoza and SAFA CEO Tebogo Motlanthe.

"I would want to take this opportunity to thank SAFA, especially president Danny Jordaan for embracing us supporters as critical stakeholders of the game," she said, as quoted by the SAFA website.

"This is massive because I will not only be representing my organisation Sanasu but will be doing this for my Association (SAFA), South Africa and Cosafa.

"I will be among a few global faces of soccer fans at the draw.

"Provisionally, they have promised that a few more fans from South Africa that include Sanasu president, Saddam Maake, will make the trip during the World Cup tournament and we intend to leave a lasting impression there."

Mama Joy will leave on Monday, 28 March and return to South Africa on Sunday, 3 April.