Kaizer Chiefs was founded on 7 January 1970 shortly after the return of Kaizer "Chincha Guluva" Motaung from the United States where he played as a striker for the Atlanta Chiefs of the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Now the Club's Executive, Chairman Kaizer Motaung looks back after 44 years, "This day will forever be special in the history of Kaizer Chiefs. It is a moment of pride for the Club and the football fraternity to see the Club growing from strength to strength. I would like to thank God for this moment and may we all use this birthday as the Amakhosi family as an inspiration to reach for our dreams as individuals and a Team," said a visibly happy Motaung.

Kaizer Chiefs has since grown to a household name in and outside South Africa as a distinguished brand.

The message of best wishes on their anniversary have been pouring in from various quarters; kaizerchiefs.com caught up with some of the Glamour Boys at The Village ahead of this important date in the history of the Club.

Siyabonga Nkosi, "Happy Birthday to Kaizer Chiefs. May you see many many years to come."

Pa Gaxa, "I would like to say a happy birthday to Chiefs. I feel privileged to be part of this rich history. Happy birthday."

Josta Dladla, "I wish the Team very well and just wish everything will continue to go very well for the Club."

Reyaad Pieterse, "I just want to wish the Amakhosi all of the best as we are growing as a Club. May we always achieve and become more successful."

Jose Cox, Team Physio, "A happy birthday to the Amakhosi. I hope the next anniversary will be as good as the last couple we've had. May the Club grow from strength to strength."

Lorenzo Gordinho, "I just want to wish Chiefs a happy Birthday. My wish for the Club in this anniversary is to retain the Championship and Nedbank Cup and also do well in CAF Championship."

Denis Rudel, Goalkeeper Coach, "I wish a happy birthday to Amakhosi. It is a nice situation to celebrate this anniversary sitting on top of the log. I wish the Team could hold on to the top spot to mark this anniversary in the Club history."

Joshua Smith, Head of Sports Science, "I wish a very big happy birthday to Chiefs. May the glory continue for another 44 years and beyond."

Ivan Bukenya, "I wish Chiefs a happy birthday."

Amakosi 4 Life!