The South African football fraternity has paid glowing tributes to Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung who celebrated his 80th birthday on Wednesday.
The Kaizer Chiefs family and the entire football fraternity as well as the political parties and leaders celebrated the towering Motaung who changed the landscape of the country’s football when he founded Amakhosi that has gone one to become South Africa’s most popular and successful club.
Born on October 16, 1944 in the township of Orlando in Soweto, Chincha Guluva, as he is popularly known, started playing in the streets of Phefeni before his talents were noticed as a school teenager, going on to sign for Orlando Pirates when he was 16.
He would later move on to play in the United States of America where he turned out for Atlanta Chiefs and it was while there that he had a vision to change the face of South African football.
How did Chiefs celebrate the club’s founder?
Upon returning home in 1969, he decided to start a club that would identify and harness local talents and on January 7, 1970, Kaizer Chiefs was born.
Under his guidance, the Glamour Boys have become the darling of South Africa and Africa, winning 13 league titles, the most in the country, and over 42 cups.
“Today is the day, the day to celebrate and honour an ICON, our chairman, our father. Few words can describe the magnitude of this day, few words can describe the man himself,” Kaizer Chiefs posted on social media before the players and staff celebrated the club icon.
“He is the powerhouse behind the biggest sporting brand in SA history, the stability of the foundation upon which we stand. He epitomises the strength of the Amakhosi nation, his longevity is our future. Happy Birthday Dr Motaung, we love and honour you.”
The Buccaneers put aside local rivalry
Local rivals Orlando Pirates also celebrated their former player who later formed a club that has become an arch rival.
“Happy 80th Birthday to @orlandopirates legend and @KaizerChiefs chairman, Dr Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung,” Pirates posted on X.
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has celebrated Motaung for his immense contribution to South African football.
“Today is a special day of Dr Kaizer Motaung’s birth. South Africa is better off because on this day, a great South African was born in 1944. He dazzled the world with his football talent as a player. His consistent assembly of talent created a club that is testament of South African football to the world,” Khoza said in his message.
“As a national leader, he contributed in action to finding peace when the nation was torn apart by political violence. He was a formidable team player in the securing and hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa. When Covid-19 put our nation in distress in 2020, he again in action, stood up to be part of the solution.”
Tributes for Kaizer Motaung beyond football
The tributes came in beyond football with political leaders and parties also showering Motaung with praise.
“The African National Congress extends its well wishes to Kaizer Motaung on his 80th birthday. We salute this Octogenarian for his enduring legacy and wish him continued health, happiness and success,” said the African National Congress.
The Economic Freedom Fighters party said: “The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends our birthday wishes to a true legend and visionary of South African football, Ntate Kaizer Motaung.”
Former Sports Minister and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula also wished Motaung a happy 80th birthday.
“On the occasion of Motaung’s 80th birthday, we celebrate a true legend and pioneer of South African football,” Mbalula posted on X.
“His remarkable journey, from an extraordinary player to founding and leading one of South Africa’s most iconic football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, has inspired countless fans and players across generations. Motaung’s dedication, vision and contribution to the sport have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape football in South Africa.”
Kaizer Chiefs players later joined fans in celebrating the club’s founder with supporters also encouraged to send in their birthday messages.
