As the Glamour Boys sweated it out at Super Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday afternoon to win against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals, Supporters Relations Manager Cecil Motaung, together with Media Relations Officer Luthando Zibeko, were in a small town, Tsomo in the Eastern Cape, to open a Supporters' Branch.

Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa’s biggest sporting brand, has around 300 branches in the country, and Cecil Motaung, addressing an enthusiastic audience at Tsomo Town Hall, said that “it is part of the Club’s strategy to increase branch network".

“Since kick-starting our 40th anniversary celebrations this year we have been opening branches around the country to increase our branches in South Africa and beyond. This branch in Tsomo is very important, taking into consideration all the work of the late Clarence Mlokothi in the success of the Club.

"There is a lot of potential here and I am confident that, just like the Umthatha branch -- which is currently standing in 12th position nationally and is number one in the province -- this branch has what it takes. I thank you all for taking the time to attend this momentous occasion,” said Cecil, known to Amakhosi faithful as “Chief”.

Tsomo-born Luthando “Trompies” Zibeko expressed his delight following the successful event. “This is long overdue but I am glad that finally we managed to open this branch. Chief’s attendance at this meeting demonstrates the commitment of the Club to its supporters, who have been the heartbeat of this Club for the past 40 years.

"This initiative should, without a doubt, inspire other areas deemed as 'remote' to organise themselves and establish these branches,” he said, adding that a win against Mamelodi Sundowns to set up a potential explosive semifinal fixture against Orlando Pirates this weekend was ‘icing on the cake’.

Chairperson of Umthatha branch, Phila Marafane, accompanied by his deputy, Sipho Johannes, had words of support for the newborn ‘baby’.

“I want to challenge Chief, first on mentioning that we are number 12 nationally, because I have brought forms with me to submit in this meeting and I know that we are also processing other forms in Pretoria as we speak. I am sure now the stakes have changed,” he said jokingly.

“First, I take this opportunity to congratulate the elected members to lead this branch. It is very important that you work as a team in ensuring your visibility in this community. Teamwork has been key in our success as Umthatha. The branch does not belong to the few elected officials, but it is a responsibility of all of you Makhosi to see to it that this branch fulfills its potential.

"Chief is taking registration forms back with him today to Johannesburg and that is really promising. As Umthatha, we will be available to offer a helping hand anytime you need us,” he added.