The Amakhosi officially kicked off their 40th birthday celebrations by going back to the site where the Club was founded four decades ago. On Thursday, Chiefs hosted current and former players and founding members at an event to ring in this special milestone.

It was at a humble home in Sentso Street in Phefeni, Orlando East, Soweto, where the likes of current Club Chairman, Kaizer Motaung, Wilfred ‘China’ Ngema and the late Ewert Nene plotted the rise of what is today known as the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.

Family and Founders

In a marquee erected on a field across the road from the historical site where Chiefs were founded and on the same field where he began playing football as a youngster, Kaizer Motaung addressed the gathered guests, drawing them back to the early days of the Club.

“In that house across the road, the brainstorming sessions took place and a lot of discussions were had. I must at this point thank my parents, who were very generous people and who played a part in helping Kaizer Chiefs in its founding years.

"When the team began in 1970, this house was much smaller than it is today. It hosted many players like Ace Ntsoloengoe and my parents always had space for fans who came to watch matches from out of town but did not have accommodation in Johannesburg. Over the years my family and people like Mr China Ngema have played a significant part in my life and the life of Kaizer Chiefs,” said Motaung.

Journey ahead

The Amakhosi Chairman also spoke of his hope for the continued success of the club in years to come.

“Just this week we had discussions around the future of the team and, like we brainstormed the club's birth in the 1970s, we have been looking at the way forward. Just as the last few decades have been an incredible journey, the next few will be just as exciting as we hope to bring in fresh minds and fresh ideas to ensure continued success for the team, both on the field of play and away from it."