The milestone achievement started by its founder and current chairman Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung, will also honour its supporters, staff and players today in Phefeni, Soweto, where the club was established in 1970, by Motaung who was 26 years’ then.
A huge marquee has been erected opposite the house for celebrations.
The birth of KC followed his successful soccer career, which was launched by his debut with Orlando Pirates in 1960, when he was 16 years old. So successful was Motaung that, in 1968, he left SA to play for Atlanta Chiefs in the US.
At the height of Motaung’s career abroad, Orlando Pirates was experiencing internal squabbles and divisions which led to the expulsion of three of its players, Thomas Johnson, Ratha Mokgoatlheng and Edward Khoza.
His attempts to resolve the issues failed, leading to the formation of Amakhosi.
Motaung was known for preaching non-violence during the club’s formative years, as soccer fans would often become aggressive and fight when their teams lost.
The Love and Peace slogan, according to Kaizer Chiefs remains true today and represents what it means to be a Kaizer Chiefs fan.
Lives were lost as a result but Motaung remained resolute to make changes and today it is an institution that has produced stars from reverend Vusi “Computer” Lamola, Doctor “16 V” Khuamalo to Itumeleng Khune, etc…
“Turning 50 is a remarkable landmark for us as Kaizer Chiefs. We have worked tirelessly through the years to make the club the institution it is today.
The new jersey pays tribute to the club’s strong heritage and rich history. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants, as our chairman always says, and we look forward to celebrating this year and milestone with the club’s supporters,” said Jessica Motaung, KC marketing director and Motaung’s daughter.
Four years after its formation, the club won its first league title. In 1971 and 1972 it bagged the Life Challenge Cup and Champion of Champions titles. Other cups included the BP Top 8, which it won in 1973, 1974 and 1976.
Known as a brand that clinches silverwares, it has been a roller-coaster for the team in the past season, but if anything is to go by in 2020, AmaKhosi could begin owning up to their adage of winning cups.
The ‘Glamour Boys of Phefeni’ will unleash their century jersey in the league encounter against Highland Park on Wednesday evening at their fort FNB Stadium. Kick off 7:30pm.
Fans will get free tickets to the game.
Ed Note: I pride myself for having been coached/mentored by the late ‘bra Pro’ Elkiam Khumalo (Doctor’s father), Ryder Mofokeng and reverend Vusi “Computer” Lamola, during our under 19 or Colts division as it was known then, at Chiefs development side.
This is where the likes of Tshepo Molatedi, Thabo “TsikiTsiki” or “Mejo” Mooki, the Manyathi and Lekgetho brothers talents were crafted and molded.
Happy many returns Khosi!
