Q&A: Chiefs boss reminisce on the club’s memorable moments

Following Kaizer Chiefs’ 50th-anniversary celebration earlier this year, the club’s chairman Kaizer Motaung answered some interesting questions as an offering to the fans.

Read: Chiefs’ most decorated players in PSL history

Despite their current trophy-drought, Amakhosi remains the most successful club in South Africa, having won 70 major trophies in the past years, and they could possibly end their shortcomings should they lift the 2019/20 Absa Premiership title.

Kaizer Motaung to the Chiefs players: 'You have an opportunity to ...
Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung with the club’s legends and players.
(Image: @Kaizer_ChiefsFC/Twitter)

Below is the Q&A as per the club’s official website:

When you started on 7 January 1970, did you ever think that Kaizer Chiefs would be what it is today?

To be quite honest, I didn’t think it would happen that we are where we are after 50 years. The only thing I was confident about was that we would be successful but I never imagined it would happen in the first 50 years.

Please tell us about the importance of the first ten years, 1970 – 1980.

It was the most crucial time because no one gave us a chance. We’ve had to exert ourselves and ensure we don’t falter. We had to assemble a strong team on the field and a solid administrative team. Remember in the first 4 years, I was travelling between South Africa and Atlanta as I was still playing, so we’ve had to ensure that the team working here was strong.

How did you fill up stadiums as the new kid on the block?

When we started, we toured the country and ensured we picked at least one player from each area of the country. So we were representative of the country. Soccer was our main source of entertainment for many people and we didn’t compete with many other things during that time. Soccer was very entertaining and it was played differently, so it was more about entertainment and not so much tactics as it is today.

What is your best memory ever in the last 50 years?

We’ve had many good memories over the many years and it would be difficult for me to single out one.

Who is the best signee ever in your opinion?

It has to be the late Ace Ntsoelengoe. He was a special player.

If you were to pick one former player and put him in the current squad, who would you go for?

There are many players I can think of, depending on the position. I am saying this because we’ve had many great players in different positions, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers. So there’s isn’t one specific player. I’d have to look at areas that need to be bolstered and give a name for each.

Your best goalkeeper of all time?

I can’t single out one but there are few who are unforgettable. I can think of Banks Setlhodi, Brian Baloyi, Itumeleng Khune right now and Peta Bala’c, who has never missed a game because of injury as far as I can remember. It’s difficult to pick one.

Please ask him to accept the honorary degrees you’ve turned down.

I’ve turned many invitations for honorary degrees down over the years. Therefore, it would be difficult to accept one now from one institution when I’ve said no to many. But I’ll think about it.

Why is it difficult for local coaches to handle Kaizer Chiefs?

It’s not only at Kaizer Chiefs but all the teams in the league. it’s not really difficult but it’s about knowledge. Some of our local coaches need work harder in terms of acquiring knowledge. We’ve seen the work coaches such as Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt have done to improve themselves. We need more of that sort of commitment from all our local coaches.

Reflecting on the 50 years, your advice to aspiring team owners?

It depends on one’s ambition and plans. It’s a huge responsibility. It’s not about having the money and buying a club. It’s about having ambition and a plan. You need to have priorities and a solid plan.

Who would you regard as the best captain ever?

These are tricky questions. There’s been many, including our first captain Ariel Kgongoane.

When are you writing a book?

If I retire tomorrow, maybe I’ll start writing.