Painful joy as Mama ditches Pirates

THERE have been mixed reactions following leading Orlando Pirates supporter Mama Joy Chauke’s departure from the Soweto club.

Social media was abuzz yesterday when the popular face among the Buccaneer fans announced she was swopping her black and white jersey for the black and gold of Royal AM.

Mama Joy has been a diehard Buccaneer for over 30 years. She became synonymous with the

Soweto giants and endeared herself to skull and cross-bone fans all over the country. She now joins the Premiership newbies – a team that was formed after Durban businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize bought out Bloemfontein Celtic at the beginning of the season.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Mama Joy expressed her joy at being associated with the club’s owner she referred to as ‘Her Majesty’.

“As hard as it is, I am leaving Orlando Pirates and I am joining Royal AM,” she told the TV channel.

Chauke’s abrupt departure from the Soweto giants has stirred up mixed emotions from supporters all over the country. Wendy Jele from the Greater Tembisa’s supporters’ club admitted to not being surprised by Chauke’s decision.

“We are not taking any offence by her leaving, she is an adult so she can do whatever she wants. It does not change how we feel about the club, it just shows that she was only supporting Pirates to be famous” she explained.