Khuliso Mudau’s well-known habit of chewing gum during matches has earned the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender a new role as a Chappies brand ambassador.
The right-back’s matchday routine became a familiar feature of South African football, with supporters regularly sharing videos, memes and jokes about Mudau rarely appearing on the pitch without a piece of bubblegum.
What began as an online joke has now developed into an official commercial partnership with one of South Africa’s most recognisable bubblegum brands.
Fans across Mzansi had followed Mudau’s chewing habit closely for months, turning it into a recurring subject on social media. Football statistics platform OptaJabu also joined the conversation, jokingly monitoring the hundreds of pieces of gum the defender had chewed since joining the Brazilians.
The growing interest eventually reached Chappies, which turned the supporters’ running joke into an endorsement opportunity for the player.
Mudau, who is affectionately known as Sailor, now becomes one of a select group of South African football personalities linked with the iconic brand.
The agreement has been welcomed by Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, who see it as an example of how an organic fan-created joke can develop into a significant commercial opportunity.
However, the announcement comes as Mudau faces a lengthy spell away from football after suffering a serious injury.
The defender sustained an Achilles tendon rupture during a Betway Premiership match. The injury occurred without contact, required surgery and is expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana will therefore be without one of their leading right-backs for several months. Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed the seriousness of the setback.
The injury represents a difficult moment in Mudau’s playing career, but the Chappies partnership offers a positive development away from the pitch while he begins his recovery.
Mudau has established himself as an important player for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, making his absence a significant blow. His latest commercial role, meanwhile, shows the wider impact of a personality that has become familiar to supporters beyond his performances on the field.
The partnership also highlights the speed with which social media trends can move into mainstream commercial campaigns. In Mudau’s case, a simple matchday habit became a source of entertainment for supporters before attracting the attention of a major South African brand.
While the defender faces a long road back to competitive football, his trademark chewing gum will now be linked officially with Chappies.
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