Kaizer Motaung celebrates 80 years of life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape South African soccer. His family remains committed to upholding his legacy and ensuring Kaizer Chiefs’ continued success. Image. Kaizer Chiefs
Duduzile Pila
(The Post News)- Kaizer Motaung, the founder of Kaizer Chiefs and a transformative force in South African football, celebrates his 80th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the sport.
Born in Soweto’s Orlando East, Motaung’s love for football began at a young age. At 16, he joined Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s premier clubs. His international adventure solidified his reputation when he signed with the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1968. He earned the league’s Rookie of the Year award and made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his debut against Manchester City.
Upon returning to South Africa, Motaung founded Kaizer Chiefs Football Club in 1970, merging his name with that of his former U.S. club, Atlanta Chiefs. This marked the dawn of a football dynasty that would dominate South African soccer. Kaizer Chiefs quickly established itself as a powerhouse, amassing over 80 trophies across various competitions and becoming synonymous with excellence in African football.
A standout moment came in 2001 when the club won the African Cup Winners’ Cup. Motaung’s influence extended beyond club football; he was instrumental in reshaping the entire sport in South Africa. In 1996, Motaung co-founded the Premier Soccer League (PSL) alongside Irvin Khoza, significantly organizing and professionalizing South African football.
Motaung’s leadership was crucial in the successful bid for South Africa to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first held on African soil. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), a national honor celebrating excellence in sport and administration.
Motaung shares his life with Valeta Motaung, and together they have five children: Bobby, Jessica, Kaizer Jr., Kemiso, and Thabo. Several of his children play vital roles in the family business, with Bobby managing football operations and Jessica serving as the club’s Chief Marketing Director. Kaizer Jr. is also heavily involved in the team’s management.
The Motaung children often express their gratitude for their father’s influence in their lives. However, the club has faced challenges in recent years, with a trophy drought leaving fans anxious about its future. The Motaung children are acutely aware of the supporters’ concerns.
Jessica emphasizes that their father remains deeply engaged in the club’s affairs: “He is still very, very active in the business… sometimes he has taken on a lot more when he should have taken the backseat.” Kaizer Jr. echoes this sentiment, noting, “The chairman is still in the office with us. In the morning, he is here and most of the time he’s the last one to leave.”
Despite the club’s recent struggles, the Motaung children are optimistic about the future. Jessica acknowledges the disappointment surrounding the team’s performance but asserts that the criticism they face is often unjust.
Kaizer Jr. addresses the fans’ frustrations, recognizing the long wait for trophies: “It’s really a period for us to reflect… The chairman is very good at being realistic but in a positive, optimistic way.” He emphasizes their commitment to making the necessary changes to restore the club to its former glory.
As Kaizer Motaung celebrates his 80th birthday, his profound influence on Kaizer Chiefs remains clear. With his family’s commitment to upholding his legacy, the club is poised to continue thriving, demonstrating that the spirit of Kaizer Motaung will always be at the heart of South African football.
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