The leader of the Kaizer Chiefs supporter group that marched to Naturena on Saturday says their next move depends on whether the club implements a key demand from their memorandum.
A disgruntled group of Amakhosi supporters descended on Naturena -Kaizer Chiefs Village this past weekend, demanding immediate action following a disastrous run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
The club’s recent slump includes a humiliating 3-0 Soweto Derby loss to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and a premature exit from the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.
Diakanya Makgato, a prominent leader among the protesting fans, says the group expects the club to address their primary grievance immediately: the removal of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
LEADER THREATENS FURTHER ACTION IF DEMANDS AREN’T MET BY CHIEFS
While the march remained peaceful, Makgato warned that the supporters’ patience is wearing thin. The club appears destined to finish the season empty-handed—a bitter pill to swallow after Nasreddine Nabi ended the club’s infamous 10-year trophy drought just last season.
“We can only be satisfied when we get a formal response from them [Chiefs management]. However, in terms of the delivery of the memorandum, it was well received by the management,” Makgato told FARPost.
The supporters have made it clear that seeing the current technical duo on the bench in the next fixture will be viewed as a provocation.
“One of our main concerns was that we don’t want to see those co-coaches on the bench in the next game. Should that [their removal] happen, I would say at least they are doing something about it,” Makgato explained. “The way forward is to wait for the next game. If the coaches are still on the bench, we will have to act outside the stadium after the match. That is what we will do.”
Makgato further detailed the core grievances outlined in the memorandum, specifically targeting the club’s transfer policy.
“A major concern is our recruitment process. We are questioning whether management is interfering in player acquisitions because, frankly, the players being signed are not up to the standards of Kaizer Chiefs,” Makgato stated.
He also took aim at the lack of tactical consistency and accountability within the technical team.
“There is no clear structure at the club. In one game, the coach makes five changes; in the next, he makes three. We acknowledge we don’t have a squad of world-beaters, but these players are better than the results they are producing. There is a total lack of accountability.”
KAIZER CHIEFS FANS REMAIN DIVIDED ON THE PROTEST AGAINST THE CLUB
Despite the visibility of the march, the fanbase remains divided on the necessity of protest action. However, Makgato dismissed the opposition, alleging that some supporters are “too close” to the club’s leadership.
“We aren’t surprised that not everyone supported the march. There are fans who, without a doubt, are receiving benefits from the club,” Makgato alleged. “We were actually very pleased with the turnout. I wasn’t bothered by the critics—I expected that from certain individuals and ‘content creator’ fans.”
He further claimed that some of these voices are influenced by perks from Naturena.
“We know some receive free tickets and meals from management. Some of us don’t benefit from anything; we just want this team to return to its glory days and compete for silverware again.”
Chiefs return to action on Sunday, 15 March, at the FNB Stadium against Durban City FC, desperate to snap their losing streak and restore faith among their frustrated supporters.
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