By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club founder and chairman Dr. Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung will be inducted in the South African Hall of Fame.
According to a statement released by Chiefs, Motaung will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on Thursday 9 November.
“Dr. Kaizer Motaung, an iconic figure in the South African sports history, has significantly shared the landscape of football in the nation. As the visionary founder and chairman of the renowned Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, his influence reaches far beyond the field. With this induction, his extraordinary contributions will be permanently enshrined in the annals of the South African Hall of Fame,” read the official statement.
“Distinguished guests, including luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and government, will come together, honouring a man whose legacy has transcended sports and become integral part of the nation’s cultural fabric.”
The latest developments come just over a year after Motaung was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town.
Motaung started his career at the age of 15 with Orlando 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.
In 1969, Motaung tried to settle a dispute in the club after Pirates punished players for playing in a match without permission. When his efforts came to nought, he resigned and started his own club, initially known as Kaizer XI.
The following year, Kaizer XI became Kaizer Chiefs when the club’s structures were formalised. Motaung appointed Thomas “Zero” Johnson as coach, with the fast-talking Ewert Nene as manager.
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.
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.