By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Dr. Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung has been officially inducted into The South African Hall of Fame, in collaboration with Tsogo Sun.
Dignitaries included sports minister Zizi Kodwa, CAF president Patrice Motsepe, and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi among others.
Hosted at the Montecasino Ballroom in Johannesburg, the induction ceremony highlighted the breadth and depth of Dr Motaung’s influence, celebrating his unwavering dedication and profound impact on the sport, which has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s history.
“The visionary founder and Chairman of the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, Dr Motaung, has not only sculpted the present and future of football but has also left an indelible legacy that will inspire generations to come,” remarked Johnny Burger, the chairman of the South African Hall of Fame, in his heartfelt address to the attendees post-ceremony.
In a moving homage to Dr Motaung’s extensive career, the South African Hall of Fame reiterated its commendation for his dual role as a world-class footballer and a pioneering administrator and business leader. His nomination and subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame have been lauded as a fitting tribute to his enduring commitment and positive influence on countless lives through sports and community engagement.
“I thank my parents, Ceyland and Manana Motaung, who did an incredible job of raising me and my siblings. My father would have preferred for me to be a lawyer. But I had my own desires and he understood. He fully supported me in my journey,” said Dr Motaung, who began his speech by admitting he was “overwhelmed by the occasion”.
Motaung, who played for Orlando Pirates aged 16, also recalled the day he was scouted to go on trials for Atlanta Chiefs in the US. “I want to thank the fans who supported me when I had trials at Kliptown Stadium. Not many will remember that stadium. That led to my move to the USA. Those fans moved rocks and stones from the pitch and that paved my way to Atlanta.”
He reserved special praise for his wife, Juleka, who was in the audience. “She stood diligently by my side and has been part of this extraordinary journey. She has been there every step of the way. Credit to her because she reminds me of my mother as she has been the centre of the family. I would probably not have had the strength to navigate this life journey without her,” Motaung said to applause, adding she had met Juleka “as a result of football”, but didn’t elaborate.
He also thanked his children from “taking the Chiefs brand to new heights”. Motaung’s fellow Chiefs founders Edward Nene, Edward Khoza, Ratha Mokgoatlheng and Zero Johnson also got special mentions.
The list of previous inductees reads like a roster of the nation’s heroes and includes former President Nelson Mandela, golf legend Gary Player, the 1995 and 2007 Springbok Rugby World Cup-winning teams, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the 1996 African Nations Cup-winning Bafana Bafana team. Dr Motaung’s name now stands among these icons, further solidifying his legacy.
The evening was a celebration and a reflection of the collaborative spirit between the South African Hall of Fame and Tsogo Sun, emphasising the vital importance of acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable individuals who contribute significantly to South Africa’s rich tapestry of talent and achievement.