Back to Orlando Pirates? Mama Joy reacts to Royal AM drama

Will superfan Mama Joy return to her home club at Orlando Pirates amid MaMkhize’s financial drama at Royal AM?

Mama Joy – real name Joy Chauke, a former Orlando Pirates fan – has reacted to the unpaid tax allegations against Shauwn Mkhize, aka MaMkhize, and her soccer club, Royal AM.

According to reports, players have not returned to the club after the festive break. Last year, the businesswoman’s property was raided, and multiple assets were seized by police and South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials.

In 2021, Mama Joy infamously ditched Orlando Pirates – after 30 years of royal support – to back Royal AM instead.

MAMA JOY REACTS TO MAMKHIZE DRAMA
On the X platform, social media users quizzed Mama Joy on her loyalty to Royal AM amid MaMkhize’s financial woes. This includes a R40 million unpaid tax debt to SARS linked to her line of companies, which fall under the Zikhulise Group.

When asked if she was considering moving back to Orlando Pirates, the sports superfan responded with a pic of her wearing her new team’s kit.

“Thwili Thwala forever,” she posted, referring to Royal AM’s nickname.

Hau mama Joy that’s fast quick uturn, we need you to post wearing Royal AM kit. Why ngathi you so fast to leave when things go south. Papa Joy needs to watch out ngathi uvele oshaye u uturn speedily nje hmmm

— will. iam@MaKAvELi (@mashabanewilli1) January 7, 2025

In another tweet, Mama Joy posted a clip of her attending a soccer game with MaMkhize and her sister, Nozipho Mkhize-Ngubo.

She captioned it: “With you, Ma and Mamkhulu Bo Mamkhize. Thwihli Thwahla, ⁩ I believe God is good always. Am committed to this time, and I love it. Don’t think otherwise. Let’s pray.”

With U MA and Mamkhulu Bo Mamkhize ,,, Thwihli Thwahla ⁦@RAMFC_sa⁩ I believe ,God is good always ,,, Am committed to this time and I love it ,,, don’t think otherwise ,,, Let’s pray ,,, Game vs Chippa 11th January postponed not cancelled Thwihli Thwahla pic.twitter.com/aDLFUJrIBC

— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) January 7, 2025

NOT ON THE ROYAL AM PAYROLL?

In 2023, Mama Joy denied reports that she receives a stipend from MaMkhize for being a Royal AM supporter.

Speaking on Robert Marawa’s Marawa Sports Worldwide, Chauke admitted she was friends with the businesswoman and often attended the PSL club games.

When Robert bluntly asked if MaMkhize paid her for her unofficial ambassadorship, she responded: “No. [Laughs] People are going to say, ‘You chowed Mamkhize’s money,’ I don’t know what to say!

“I’m a Royal AM supporter, and she will follow me and check in on me. I don’t get paid by her for what I do. I do it for the love of the game”.