Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Thabo Mooki has described last Monday night at the Theatre on the Track in Kylami on Monday as the night that he will ‘never forget’. The player who fans dubbed him the nickname “Tsiki-Tsiki” was honoured by the Club’s Chairman, Kaizer Motaung with The Chairman’s Award for his loyal service in the team for the past 14 years.

Thabo who made his debut for the Club as a teenager in 1994 has made a total of 407 league and cup appearances, scoring 40 goals. He also made three appearances for Bafana Bafana scoring on his debut against Namibia in 1998.

Mooki tells Kaizerchiefs.com that he attended the Player’s Awards event last Monday and was surprised when the Chairman called him on the stage.

“It is something that I was not expecting…really I was caught off guard. I felt really happy and honoured to receive the award from a man of Mr. Motaung’s calibre. To receive such a token from a man who has made immense contribution in development of football in the country was very special. It is an award that could have gone to anyone who has dedicated his life to the team like I have done over the years. I felt that the effort, dedication and my commitment in the club were being appreciated. It is the night that I will never forget. I wish my mother was there as I could not hold back my tears” he says.

The Moletsane born midfielder paid tribute to the Club’s boss who he calls, a ‘mentor’, “Mr. Motaung took care of me the moment I arrived at the club. He took me under his wing and I will forever be grateful for what he did for me. He is my mentor and I have learnt a lot from him during my time in this Club. He continues to play a big part in my life and today I call myself a man and all credit to him” says the midfield maestro.

Thabo says he was he felt honoured when he received a standing ovation from the guests who attended the event, “It was a very emotional moment. I felt special and not everyone can get that. When I joined the Club I wanted my name to be counted among other legends that wore the gold and black jersey with pride and honour. This has taken lot of sacrifices from me and also it is always important to have good friends surrounding you.”

The man who represented the treasured Kaizer Chiefs no.12 jersey says he is still part of the team.

“I am still involved with the team and I do not want to comment on the reports in the media. Kaizer Chiefs is very professional on how they conduct their business. The Club will call a press conference and make a proper announcement. I continue to cherish each and every minute in this Club. If I were to look back on the highlight of my career I would say that Monday night was a very special moment for me. I will also not forget winning the league after such a long time. We also won the Mandela Cup and went on the meet utata (Dr. Nelson Mandela), not everyone has had an opportunity to meet him. Those moments and many others I will cherish them as long as I live,” he adds.

Mooki Chiefs honours:

Iwisa Charity Spectacular 1994, 1994 BP Top Eight, 1996 Coca Cola Challenge Cup, 1996-1997 PSL Runner Up, 1997 Rothmans Cup, 1997-1998 PSL Runner Up, 1998 Rothmans Cup, 21998-1999 PSL Runner Up, 1999 BOB Save Super Bowl Finalist, 2000 BOB Save Super Bowl, 2000-2001 PSL Runner Up, 2001 BP Top Eight, 2001 African Cup Winners Cup, 2001 Coca Cola Cup, 2002 Coca Cola Finalist, 2003 Coca Cola Cup, 2003-2004 PSL Winner, 2004 Coca Cola Cup, 2004-2005 PSL Winner, 2004 SAA Supa 8 Finalist, 2005-2006 ABSA Cup Winner, 2007 SAA Supa 8 Winner, 2002-03 Telkom Winner