Dr Kaizer Motaung, the founder and chairman of Kaizer Chiefs, was on Thursday night inducted into the South African Hall of Fame.
In an emotional speech, Motaung thanked his parents, wife, children, and fellow Chiefs founders for their support throughout his remarkable journey.
He also recalled the early days of the club, when his parents’ home in Phefeni, Soweto, became a makeshift clubhouse for the players.
“They welcomed everyone to their house,” Motaung told guests at Monte Casino. “We would have players coming in from as far as Durban, and they would stay with us.”
Motaung also spoke about his trials for the Atlanta Chiefs in the US in 1968. This came after his breakthrough at Orlando Pirates at the age of 16.
“I want to thank the fans who supported me when I had trials at Kliptown Stadium,” he said. “Those fans moved rocks and stones from the pitch, and that paved my way to Atlanta.”
Motaung reserved special praise for his wife, Juleka.
“She stood diligently by my side and has been part of this extraordinary journey,” he said. “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.”
He also thanked his children “for 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.
DR KAIZER MOTAUNG’S DAD WANTED HIM TO BE A LAWYER
In a light-hearted moment, Motaung also joked about his father’s preference for him to become a lawyer.
“My father would have preferred for me to be a lawyer,” he said. “But I had my desires, and he understood. He fully supported me in my journey.”
The induction is a fitting tribute to Dr Motaung’s enduring commitment and positive influence on countless lives through sports and community engagement.
Dr Motaung is a name synonymous with South African sports excellence. He is a renowned football legend and a pioneering administrator. He is also a philanthropist and a community leader who has dedicated his life to using sport for social change and development.
His journey began in the humble township of Orlando, Soweto, where he grew up playing football on dusty streets. He was a gifted player and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most feared strikers in South Africa. He went on to play professional football for several years, both in South Africa and abroad.
In 1970, Dr Motaung founded Chiefs, which has since become one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Africa.
Chiefs has won numerous trophies, including the South African PSL title. The club has also produced some of the country’s greatest football players, including Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo.
He was one of the founding members of the Premier Soccer League together with Irvin Khoza.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE PREVIOUS INDUCTEES
Chair of the South African Hall of Fame Johnny Burger said Dr Motaung had not only “sculpted the present and future of football”. “But has also left an indelible legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Previous inductees include the nation’s heroes, former President Nelson Mandela, golf legend Gary Player, the 1995 and 2007 Springbok Rugby World Cup winning teams, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the 1995 African Nations Cup-winning Bafana Bafana team.
Motaung’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to South African football. He is a true pioneer of the game, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
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