Kaizer Chiefs joins the world and South Africa in particular to commemorate the Soweto Uprising, also known as 16 June.

Soweto is the birthplace of Kaizer Chiefs, which was founded 45 years ago in Phefeni. Amakhosi Chairman Kaizer Motaung was born in the same place.

“June 16 is a very important date on the calendar,” stresses Chiefs’ Marketing Director Jessica Motaung. “The day speaks to today’s youngsters to work hard to emulate the youth of 1976. The youth is also central to the future success of football and our Club. Talented, highly motivated and hardworking kids are what makes soccer and the society in general.”

“Football offers opportunities to young people to express their talent on a global platform,” adds Motaung. “Also, most importantly, youngsters must attend matches at the stadium as part of entertainment. We would like to see children who do wrong things to move away from this and to enjoy sport instead. We will continue to embark on initiatives that will encourage the youth to be involved in sport and to attend football matches.”

Students began to protest in the streets of Soweto in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction at local schools in 1976. An estimated 20 000 school kids took part in the protests. Sadly, a number of kids died in the process.

The Kaizer Chiefs legends participated in the Siyabonga Nkosi Youth Festival on Tuesday’s Youth Day. They played against a KZN XI in memory of the events of 1976. The festival is hosted by Siyabonga Nkosi. The midfielder played four seasons for Chiefs. However, it was announced recently that his contract won’t be renewed.

Amakhosi players are always encouraged to take part in initiatives to mark this special day. Morgan Gould, for example, hosted a 6 A Side Tournament in Noordgesig.

“I've always wanted to give back to my community and this initiative is part of my input to encourage the new generation to aspire greatness in life,” says Gould.

Meanwhile, Siphiwe Tshabalala was a guest when president Jacob Zuma, accompanied by deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, led country's celebration of Youth Day in Pretoria.

“It is a big day,” admits the Chiefs midfielder. “We thank the youth of 1976 for their bravery. Now it is our time to show the way for our generation."