Posted in News on Nov 16, 2005.
The rich heritage and strong cultural tradition of the Arabian styled buildings are timeless and reminiscent of a centuries old citadel. Here ancient times meet the modern world much like the contrast of the desert peninsula and the waters of the Arabian Gulf Coast where Dubai is located. This backdrop is a favourite destination for the Kaizer Chiefs delegation that is here to exhibit at Soccerex Dubai 2005.
The exhibition is in its ninth year and Kaizer Chiefs Football Club is here for the third consecutive year, which highlights the success of past exhibitions and the growing relationship between the organisers of Soccerex and the ‘Mighty Amakhosi’. South Africa has a strong presence at the expo with a delegation of nearly sixty in total. South African exhibitors include the PSL, Sundowns FC, who follow in the footsteps of Kaizer Chiefs, Jonnic Connumications, and All About Football, under a South African pavilion, which is a first at the Soccerex.
Day One
One of the highlights of the programme Monday morning was the Global Club Panel Discussion with the Chairman and Managing Director, Kaizer Motaung, Ahmet Unuver (Director of Galatasaray), Peter Kenyon (CEO of Chelsea F.C.) and Estev Calzada (Commercial and Marketing Director of F.C. Barcelona).
The panel covered several important issues for clubs, including club versus country, revenue streams, and a potential global calendar. Mr. Motaung contributed significantly on all issues. He mentioned that professional players are obligated and honoured to play for their national teams, but sometimes they get injured or destabilised and their professional clubs could suffer.
On the subject of a global calendar, Mr. Motaung said, “on the African continent the calendar issue is compounded by the fact that leagues tend to follow the European schedule, and CAF maintains an ‘African’ schedule that gives rise to calendar conflicts.” He continued by saying, “we’ve got to sit down and bring out a collective solution to these issues.”
Another popular panel seminar was South Africa – The Commercial Opportunities of the Rainbow Nation, which featured Danny Jordaan (CEO SA 2010 Local Organising Committee), Ronny Slosh (PSL Stadium Director), and Moeketsi Mosola (CEO South African Tourism). Sir Bobby Robson, Trevor Phillips, and Irvin Khoza were scheduled to be on the panel, but unfortunately did not participate. Mr. Mosola gave a presentation on South African tourism to promote the 2010 World Cup. Mr. Jordaan gave insight into South Africa’s preparations for the World Cup, as did Mr. Schloss regarding the stadiums.
In addition to the Chairman, the team’s Marketing Manager, Jessica Motaung, and Financial Manager, Jason Raine, are vetereans of Soccerex having come for the third year. Ms. Motaung and Mr. Raine managed the Chiefs stand with the assistance of Kemiso Motaung, Marketing Coordinator of J.A.K.E. Productions (JAKE).
Jessica was responsible for the stand design and once again the end product was fantastic. The overall size was 3m x 6m, and Stand 12A told the Kaizer Chiefs story. There were 6 satin banners hanging around the walls of the stand with pictures depicting the Fans, Youth Development, Players in Action, Victories, International African Icon, and League Champions.
An assortment of licensed products, from replica jerseys, caps, scarves, and KCK4L tops to the latest addition Amanzi Amakhosi was displayed in a large glass case. A 42”plasma screen was positioned on top of the display case, and it featured a custom DVD about all aspects of the Club, and used for the Play Station game Fifa 2006 that includes Kaizer Chiefs. A number of trophies were displayed in a tall glass case, and the crowned jewel, PSL Championship trophy was showcased on its own podium in front of the stand.
