Mama Joy: I’m not going back to Pirates!
MAMA Joy is not going anywhere!
Renowned superfan Mama Joy has made it clear that she has no intention of supporting Orlando Pirates again even after news broke that her current team, Royal AM, is facing financial troubles.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Mama Joy (53), whose real name is Joy Chauke, said she doesn’t regret her decision to leave the Buccaneers.
She parted ways with the club to support the female-led Royal AM, which is owned by businesswoman and reality TV star, Shauwn “Mam’Mkhize” Mkhize.
However, with reports surfacing that Royal AM could be sold by SARS to settle outstanding tax debts, questions have arisen about Mama Joy’s next move.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Royal AM, Mama Joy is standing her ground.
“People did not understand my decision when I left Orlando Pirates, but I have no regrets. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I did it to support a woman in football. I will not go back. When I tried to enter the stadium to support my team with a ticket, they stopped me at the entrance,” she said.
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She also shared that she recently found joy in watching Mamelodi Sundowns thrash Pirates 4-1, further proving that her ties with her former club are truly severed.
“They made me feel like I was nothing, as if they could stop me from attending matches whenever they wanted. That hurt me deeply. That’s why I supported Sundowns when they won 4-1. I was happy, but that does not mean I’m a Sundowns or Kaizer Chiefs fan,” she said.
On the potential sale of Royal AM, Mama Joy admitted she’s devastated.
“This is a tough time. People have been asking where I will go next. I am not the owner of Royal AM, but I supported them because they were led by a woman. If the club ceases to exist, I will be heartbroken.
“I was like family to them. The chairman ensured I was part of the team’s charity initiatives and now I feel lost. If Royal AM is gone, then who is Mama Joy without Thwihli Thwahla?” she said.
Despite her passion for football, Mama Joy said she has no plans to support another club but Mzansi’s sports teams.
“For now, I will focus on supporting netball, cricket, Banyana Banyana, the Springboks and Bafana Bafana. I don’t see myself backing another football team. Royal AM was my family, and I want to respect that bond. Right now, I’m heartbroken,” she said.
