The nationwide journey of two iconic vehicles finally came to an end at Vodacom World on Thursday when, after six months and over one million entries for the Vodacom Sisonke Siya Winna competition, two lucky Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans were handed the keys to the legendary Gusheshe and Kentucky Rounder they had won.

In a surprise announcement that not even the winners suspected, Abey Mokgwatsane, the Managing Executive for Brand and Sponsorship at Vodacom, was joined by Kaizer Chiefs captain Bernard Parker and Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele as they congratulated the two winners and handed them the keys to their respective vehicles.

Both Siyanda Mkhize, a 36-year-old Orlando Pirates fan from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, and Oteng Mekgwe, a 23-year-old Kaizer Chiefs fan from Mahikeng in the North West, had been told they were simply there to view the two vehicles that had created a social media sensation.

For months fans watched the regular updates of how these cars were stripped down by LA Customs in Paarl and then rebuilt in the style and colours of the respective clubs, and with several upgrades and enhancements.

After being shown the cars inside and out, both Mkhize and Mekgwe were stunned when they were each handed the keys and told they were now the owners of the most sought-after vehicles in the South African football community at the moment.

“I was so nervous because I’ve never been to Johannesburg and have also never won anything before. When they told me I had won the car I was shocked,” said Mkhize as he sat in the driver’s seat of the iconic Gusheshe. 

“I have always been an Orlando Pirates fan, and it’s been my dream to own a Gusheshe. I cannot thank Orlando Pirates and Vodacom enough.”

Buccaneers captain Jele said he was delighted that such a passionate fan had won the Gusheshe. “Siyanda was telling me about his love for our team. When I asked him about the players he knew everything. This has been such a unique campaign by Vodacom and I’m very pleased that at the end of it we could hand the Gusheshe to a true Orlando Pirates fan as a reward for his lifelong support.”

 Mekwge was just as overwhelmed when he was told that the dazzling gold and black Kentucky Rounder he was looking at was his.

 “This means so much to me. I really want to thank Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs for giving me this iconic car. We once had a Kentucky Rounder in our family but had to sell it. Since then I’ve always wished I could own one myself,” he said.

The moment was just as rewarding for Amakhosi captain Parker. “This has been such a great campaign by Vodacom, and for us as Kaizer Chiefs to be given the opportunity to reward our fans with a car that is not only iconic but so uniquely Kaizer Chiefs in its style and design is amazing.”

Vodacom’s tribute to the iconic status these cars hold captured the imagination of South African football fans as they entered in record numbers for the chance to win one of these vehicles.

 “To see the reaction of our two winners and how surprised they were was incredible,” said Mokgwatsane.

“These cars speak to the hearts of South African football fans, and it really is special for us as Vodacom to have played a part in taking the passion of the fans for their teams, and showcasing it through their passion for these two iconic cars.”

#SisonkeSiyaWinna