By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung 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.
Motaung started his career at the age of 15 with Pirates and soon became one the finest players in the country. He was a hit with fans far and wide, who nicknamed him “Chincha Guluva” – the man with the quick feet.
He whipped fans into a frenzy when he showed off his spellbinding ball control. He had great vision, which came to the fore with his special ability to run into pockets of space and make line-breaking passes. In the striking zone, he was a clinical finisher.
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.
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.
The Chiefs team at the time included Henry Padi, Jacob Masike, Edward Khoza, Eliakim Khumalo, Ariel Kgongoane, Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Ingle Singh, Alfred Chamane and Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
Many of the players went on to become household names.
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.
The club has the largest supporter base in southern Africa, with fans sporting the traditional colours of black and gold. Amakhosi faithful say hello using the “peace” hand sign (the “V” sign) with love and pride.
“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 African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were some of the big names that wished Motaung a happy 80th birthday.
The ANC praised Motaung, who founded what grew into the country’s biggest football club in 1970, as a visionary.
“The ANC extends its well wishes to Motaung on his 80th birthday,” it said.
“We recognise his remarkable contributions to South African football and broader society and commend his visionary leadership in sports, which has inspired generations of leaders, athletes and fans.”
The EFF said Motaung’s contributions to football are a source of pride for South Africa.
“Let’s celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung, the Chairman of Kaizer Chiefs. Your unwavering leadership and dedication to elevating our football to a world-class level continue to inspire us,” said EFF leader Julius Malema.
Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza also paid a special tribute.
“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.
“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 destress in 2020, he again [took] action. He stood up to be part of the solution. Happy 80th birthday my dear friend. May the good Lord bless you with longevity to continue your exemplary contribution to humanity.”
Fullview extend well wishes to Dr Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung.