Founded in 1970, under trying times at Phefeni, Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs had a pedigree of attracting a gigantic amount of supporters and this was among other reasons attributed to a unique blend of football Amakhosi displayed, the crop of football stars they recruited, and their winning culture. This is a legacy that Chiefs has been able to uphold for 38 years of its existence. It goes without saying that the culture and spirit of supporters’ loyal support to the brand made the Amakhosi to what it is today.

Kaizerchiefs.com took to its archives in a bid to look back at its legendary supporters and in a long list of names we got first hand experience of the games played at Orlando Stadium by Chiefs.

Chiefs supporters’ recruitment mastermind, who is currently a lifetime Director Mr. China Ngema says “I remember vividly, the first man who signed-up for a supporters card, was Benedict Mohale, and if a need presented itself at the time, he was prepared to die for Kaizer Chiefs”

Laughing, “I saw an opportunity for recruitment where boys were attracted to young and glamorous ladies who used to attend our games. I then decided to introduce a business idea that they sell meat pies which were carried in picnic bags and suggested that while on duty they should wear izigqebhezane (loosely translated to mini-skirts). By so doing I did not only attract supporters to come to the stadium, but grew Chiefs membership via promoting a business idea which later became bakery - thanks to Chiefs Chairman Mr. Kaizer Motaung” he added.

Meanwhile, his sister, staunch Chiefs supporter boasted that “During those days we used to see real football”. She recalls that the natural football talent displayed by Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung, Ace “Mabhekaphantsi” Ntsolengoe, “Ten-Ten” Nzimande, Arial “Pro” Kongoane, Johnny Magwegwe, Gerald Mgababa, Terror Mphuthi and Screamer Tshabalala to mention but a few, were enough motivation which took them to Orlando Stadium.

“We did not have a grandstand at the time and only Pirates and Swallows supporters had a privilege of watching the game from the grandstands. We only had our demarcated area where every Chiefs supporter had to sIT Or stand to watch the game. That did not deter us from coming to the stadium, because we knew we were victors of almost every game that was played there. We also knew that after winning the game, when we leave the stadium we were forced to showcase Pirates “Ghost” symbol although we donned our gold and black t-shirts. This was done simply to rile us but we stood by the spirit of Love and Peace - hence we were also known as Abafana Bokuthula Noxolo (loosely translated the Boys of Love and Peace), a motto which has now grown into becoming a universal language of our football” she concludes.

Both Mama Nooi and Baba China Ngema have not diverted an inch from their loyal support of Amakhosi and have thus assured us that they will be among the thousands of spectators who will witness an emotional return of the Phefeni Galmour Boys who will lock horns with Abafana Besthende at the world-class Orlando Stadium, tonight (Wednesday) at 19h30. Only 30 000 tickets will be sold for this game, and football lovers are urged to get their tickets at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers. Tickets will also be sold at the Orlando Community Hall near the stadium if the need arises.

Tickets are selling for R20 for adults and R10 for juveniles.

Gate will be open at 16h00. See you there for this historic occassion.