Sedibeng-born sports photographer Pitsi Vincent Matlou, widely known by his professional moniker “Vino Snap,” has officially announced his selection as a delegate to represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
In a public social media statement dated 4 June 2026, Matlou expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to document the global football showpiece through his lens.
Decade of a journey from ekasi to the global stage
The selection marks a major milestone for Matlou, who originally began his professional career in sports photography a decade ago.
- Matlou first started his sports photography journey in 2016.
- Exactly 10 years later, he will be continuing his work on the international stage under his well-known title, “The Eye of God”.
- The photographer described the upcoming assignment to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “once in a lifetime” moment for a dream he never abandoned.
Acknowledging state and community support
In his statement, Matlou extended direct thanks to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, for presenting him with the opportunity to join the official South African delegation.
He also commended the administrative staff within the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for guiding him through the formal process, alongside the Department of Education for granting him the opportunity to represent the nation.
Beyond government support, Matlou heavily emphasized the role of his local audience and family in his ongoing success:
- The Vino Snap Community: He credited his daily followers for keeping his passion for Snepe (photography) alive through continuous engagement.
- Family and Support Structures: Matlou expressed appreciation to his close support systems for managing his psychological well-being and helping him navigate the pressures and noise of the social media world.
Concluding his announcement with the traditional expression “Motho ke motho ka batho” (a person is a person through other people) and a reference to Isaiah 60:22, Matlou signaled that his journey from local fields to the World Cup remains deeply rooted in collective community support.