“The iconic South African bubblegum brand joins forces with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau”
One of South Africa’s most recognisable and beloved bubblegum brands, Chappies, has announced an exciting new partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau, officially naming the football star as its newest brand ambassador.
The partnership brings together two South African favourites and marks an exciting new chapter for Chappies as the brand enters the world of football through its new Chappies for Champs campaign.
For generations, Chappies has held a special place in South African culture. From its unmistakable yellow wrapper and famous Chappie Chipmunk to the much-loved Did You Know? facts found inside every piece of gum, the brand has created memories for millions of South Africans.
Now, Chappies is taking that same sense of fun, curiosity and connection into one of the country’s most loved sporting spaces – football.
CELEBRATING SOUTH AFRICA’S EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS
The Chappies for Champs campaign celebrates South Africans who bring the famous “Yho!” factor to everyday moments.
Whether it is scoring an incredible goal on the football field, achieving a personal dream, supporting a friend, overcoming challenges or simply celebrating life’s small victories, the campaign is built around the belief that everyone has the potential to be a champion.
From school playgrounds and community football fields to packed stadiums and match-day viewing experiences, football continues to unite South Africans across generations.
Through this campaign, Chappies aims to celebrate both the sporting heroes who inspire the nation and the everyday champions making a difference in their communities and personal lives.
A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP
Khuliso Mudau has established himself as one of South Africa’s leading football talents through his performances for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.
Known for his determination, discipline and consistency on the field, Mudau represents the ambition and energy that Chappies hopes to celebrate through its new campaign.
However, his connection to the brand goes beyond football.
Mudau’s well-known habit of chewing gum throughout his football career has become one of his recognisable characteristics, making the partnership between the defender and Chappies feel both authentic and natural.
Speaking about the partnership, Mudau expressed his excitement about becoming part of a brand that has been part of his life from an early age.
“Chappies is one of those brands that has always been part of my everyday life. I grew up seeing it in my local tuckshop; I remember buying it and sharing it with my friends. Even as I got older and football became a big part of my life, Chappies was still there.” Speaking with S.A Buzz
Mudau said becoming associated with such an iconic South African brand is particularly meaningful.
“To now be part of this iconic brand that has been around for so many years is really special. Football is about bringing people together, and I’m excited to bring that energy into the Chappies for Champs campaign and share some of the best moments with the fans.”
MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL
For Chappies, the partnership represents an opportunity to connect the brand’s heritage with a new generation of South Africans.
Ayesha Hassim, Senior Brand Manager for Chappies South Africa, said the brand has always celebrated the small moments that create joy and bring people together.
“Chappies has always been about those small moments that bring a smile, spark a reaction and bring people together. Football gives us an exciting opportunity to take that spirit into a space that is deeply loved by South Africans.”
She added that Mudau was the ideal personality to represent the new campaign.
“Khuliso is the right partner for Chappies because he embodies the ambition, determination and energy of a new generation, while his genuine love for chewing gum makes the partnership feel authentic.”
Through the Chappies for Champs campaign, the brand hopes to inspire South Africans to recognise and celebrate their own achievements.
“We want to celebrate the champions we see on the pitch, as well as the everyday champions who are chasing their own goals, celebrating their wins and creating moments they can be proud of,” Hassim added.
EVERYONE CAN BE A CHAMP
At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful message: you do not need to play in a stadium or lift a trophy to be a champion.
Being a champ can mean pursuing your dreams, overcoming obstacles, supporting those around you or finding the confidence to keep moving forward.
Chappies believes there is a champion in everyone, and the campaign will encourage South Africans to embrace the moments that make them proud.
As part of the campaign, Chappies will also introduce opportunities for fans to participate and potentially win exciting prizes, bringing the spirit of Chappies for Champs directly to South Africans.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR AN ICONIC BRAND
The partnership between Chappies and Khuliso Mudau signals an exciting evolution for the brand as it continues to remain relevant to new generations while celebrating the nostalgia and cultural significance that have made it a household name.
By entering the world of football, Chappies is connecting with one of the country’s strongest cultural passions and creating new opportunities for fans to celebrate the moments that bring excitement, joy and connection.
For Mudau, the partnership is also a reminder that authentic personal connections can create meaningful opportunities.
What began as a familiar habit of enjoying chewing gum has now become a collaboration between one of South Africa’s most recognisable football stars and one of the country’s most iconic brands.
As Chappies for Champs rolls out across South Africa, fans can expect plenty of memorable “Yho!” moments, exciting opportunities and celebrations of champions both on and off the football field.
With Khuliso Mudau now joining the Chappies family, the iconic yellow brand is ready to kick off an exciting new era – proving once again that champions come in many forms.
Because whether you are chasing your dreams, supporting your team, celebrating a victory or simply enjoying life’s special moments – there is a champ in everyone. Follow more on @chappiesSA and @sabuzzmedia