Kaizer Chiefs

In 1970, after spending the previous 3 years playing professional soccer in the North American Soccer League (NASL), Kaizer Motaung was surprised to discover that some of his closets friends and teammates were expelled from his former team (Orlando Pirates FC) after refusing to play a match in Swaziland. This dispute created great tension among the players, fans and club, so after discussing the situation with the Pirates Chairman (Mike Tseka), Motaung decided to use these former Pirate players to form a new traveling team that would play in friendly matches in a country wide tour. He decided to name this tame after himself (Kaizer) and the NASL team he played for in the United States (the Atlanta Chiefs).

As the Chief’s touring progressed, supporters grew by the thousands. Many feel this can be attributed to the timing of when the team was created. During this time, South Africans were living through a politically repressive and violent era. The message the Chiefs promoted was the concept of love and peace and even incorporated this into their slogan. Through words and deeds they emphasized that soccer is about comradeship, friendship and sportsmanship. It has been estimated that the club has well over 16 million supporters and are still growing.

On the field the team has been just as, if not more successful. They have won over 80 titles in the past 35+ years – including 4 major trophies in a span of only four months at the end of 2001 and a victory in 2006 over Manchester United to win the Challenge Cup. Twice they have finished atop the Premier League in South Africa and were winners of the SAA Supa 8 a record 14 times.

Later this year they will open Amakhosi Stadium – a new 55,000 seat stadium that will reside just near Johannesburg. The word “Amakhosi” has long been associated with the Chiefs. It goes back to one of the founding fathers of the club and personal friend of Motaung, Shezi. Apparently Shezi would always use the term “Makhosi” when greeting someone. Translated, it means ‘Chief’ or ‘Lord’ in Zulu and so naturally; it gelled nicely with their slogan - AMAKHOSI.

Today Kaizer still sits as the chairman of the club and many members of his family sit on the board or management side of the team. Notable former players for the Chief’s include; Gary Bailey, Nelson Teenage Dladla and Collins Mbesuma.

Club information