Image: Instagram / @rorymarc
The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, was happy to see ‘lucky fan’ Rory Petzer, who seemed to be a fan favourite among South Africans.
The popular sports content creator, known as the ‘Minister of Champions,’ joined the new group of ‘lucky fans’ to watch Bafana Bafana’s match against South Korea on 25 June 2026.
Also see: SA excited to see sports fan Rory Petzer make ‘lucky fan’ list
Gayton McKenzie and Rory Petzer link in Mexico
In an Instagram post shared on 24 June 2026, Petzer revealed that he had previously missed a direct message (DM) from McKenzie, which would have potentially sent him to Mexico with the first group of ‘lucky fans.’ A few months ago, McKenzie’s department launched an initiative to send South African soccer fans to one of Bafana’s matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Petzer shared that the missed opportunity put him in a dark space, adding, “Fortunately, the sponsors agreed to send a second group. I entered and was selected. And here we meet in Mexico!”
Showing gratitude, he also wrote on Instagram, “I can’t put into words how grateful I am for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you, Honourable Minister Gayton and all the sponsors.”
In the clip, Gayton, who joked that Petzer travelled with a bicycle, told the sports fan that he had the opportunity to choose two people, with Petzer being one of them.
“You are such a patriot for our country; you do such a great job for our country; you bring positivity.”
Also see: Mama Joy brags about World Cup TV appearance: ‘Only superfan shown’
Meet-up warms people’s hearts
Many social media users, including a few celebrities, loved seeing the two together and expressed their thoughts under the heartwarming post.
Actress Nambitha Ben-Mazwi commented, “Takeaway: always check my DMs.”
@mikemortontalksfootball asked in the comments, “Bro, how can you blue tick the Minister of Sports?”
“Gosh, you seem to be a very positive and nice person, big up to you,” wrote @shange4144.
@henk.groenewald told Petzer, “I’m so happy for you.”
Also see: Minister of Sport announces Super Fan squad heading to the World Cup
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