KaizerChiefs.com looks back on the friendly rivalries between the two clubs with the soon to retire Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Amakhosi and ‘Fergie’ have a history spanning two decades. The club first came face to face with the legendary manager in July 1993 a few months after Manchester United had claimed the inaugural Premier League title in 1992-93, which ended their 26 year wait for a top flight trophy.

Chiefs held a Manchester United team, including a number of the players who had helped them win the league title to a 1-1 draw at Soccer City - the Amakhosi’s performance drew wide acclaim from Ferguson. Featuring for Ferguson in his touring party on that evening in 1993 was a young David Beckham who was eighteen years old at the time.

It would be 13 years before Sir Alex would meet up with the Amakhosi again, on a pre-season tour to South Africa in 2006-07 seasons. Sir Alex’s team were pushed all the way by Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in a Vodacom Challenge encounter before narrowly losing 1-0 to a Dong Fangzhou goal.

In the Challenge Final a few days later in Tshwane Chiefs held United 0-0 in normal time before eventually defeating them on penalties to lift the 2006 Vodacom Challenge.

In 2008 Sir Alex and his touring party were back in South Africa and in their game against Chiefs at Newlands the Amakhosi held the then European Champions to a 1-1 draw, with Jonathan Quartey scoring for Chiefs from the penalty spot.

The Amakhosi though were not so fortunate a few days later in the Vodacom Challenge Final as United defeated them 4-0, Chiefs have always proved to be a lucky charm for Sir Alex whenever United have returned from South Africa having faced Chiefs they have gone on to be the Premier League Champions the next season as was the case in 1993-94, 2006-07 and 2008-09.

Sir Alex Ferguson record Vs Kaizer Chiefs

P W D L GF GA GD

5 2 2 1 7 2 5

Kaizer Chiefs supremo, Kaizer ‘Chincha Guluva’ Motaung commented; “We would like congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson for his success as the Manager of Manchester United. When he vacates his post, Sir Alex will leave an indelible mark in the rich history of ‘Man U’ especially having followed in the footsteps of the legendary Scotsman Sir Matt Busby who coached ‘Man U’ between 1945 and 1969. In recent history of modern football Sir Alex remains the best Manager if you look at his achievements. I am sure ‘Man U’ will appoint a suitable candidate to succeed him and obviously measures will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition in that regard. We wish whoever will take over the best going forward into the new ‘Man U’ era.