CHAUKE BECOMES ABSA PREM KICK FOR A MILLION WINNER
Joy and jubilation engulfed Steven Chauke as the Tembisa resident pocketed R1 million as the winner of the Absa Premiership Kick for a Million on Saturday.
As the 2017/18 Absa Premiership came to an exhilarating end with the crowning of this campaign’s champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Brazilians were not the only ones who went home with a big money bag in tow. The 39-year old bus driver born in Giyani in the Limpopo province, was crowned the Absa Premiership Kick for a Million winner after outscoring his nine counterparts in a penalty shootout competition against legendary goalkeeper John Tlale.
At the start of the season in August 2017, Absa introduced the Kick for a Million competition which took place at Woza Nazo matches. Over 7, 000 football fans entered the competition on match day, with ten of those going through to the final of the competition that took place at halftime during the Absa Premiership trophy handover match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dr Molemela stadium this past Saturday.
Mtunzi Jonas, Head of Sponsorships at Absa said: “Absa is passionate about connecting the fans with their passion for the beautiful game. We’re pleased to have played a role in changing the life of a football fan through the game they love the most. Absa congratulates Steven Chauke on becoming the Kick for a Million winner.”
The journey to becoming the Kick for a Million winner began at the first of ten Woza Nazo rivalry fixtures when SuperSport United hosted Mamelodi Sundowns in the Tshwane Derby back in August 2017. By just attending one of the Absa Premiership Woza Nazo matches this season, Chauke’s life has changed for the better. He was selected to Kick for a Million against five other finalists during halftime of the Bidvest Wits v AmaZulu match in April, from where he emerged victorious and qualified for the final of the competition that took place in Mangaung on Saturday.
While Chauke may have won the big prize, the nine finalists who did not become the next millionaire each received R10 000 as part of being one of the finalists.
“I’m so excited and out of words to express my joy,” said an emotional Chauke. “This prize is going to change my life for the better without a doubt. Thank you Absa for this opportunity and for looking out for soccer supporters as well, this is really awesome”.
Jonas adds: “Absa extends a special thank you to all the supporters that came in large numbers to watch all the Absa Premiership matches and support the league action over the past 10 months. We would like also like to thank the thousands of fans that entered the Kick for a Million competition. We look forward to yet another thrilling Absa Premiership season in the 2018/19 season.
Prior to the final of the Kick for a Million competition a week ago, Chauke, together with the nine other finalists were part of a financial workshop where he received financial advice on how to handle the winnings and grow his money moving forward. He will now get his own, dedicated financial advisor from Absa based in Johannesburg. Chauke has big plans for what he will do with his winnings and Absa will be there with him every step of the way and make sure he is successful.
