After months and months of preparations finally the launch of the Sedibeng Region comprising of 16 Supporters Club Branches took place on Saturday, 12 January 2013. They say the game of football induces emotions on and off the field as the saying goes emotions were the order of the day at the Saul Tsotetsi Sport and Recreational Centre, Sebokeng. The roads leading to the venue were painted with the Kaizer Chiefs Gold and Black as early as 09:00 with a convoy of flag bearing motorcade.

The programme was ably marshalled by Lucky Matolo drawing the full participation and attention from the fully packed hall. Matolo didn’t only control the proceedings with aplomb he doubled up as a Poet, dishing out poem after poem intermediately. Notably he dished out poems dedicated to Kaizer Chiefs and Kaizer ‘Chincha Guluva’ Motaung. “Only the end of time will end Kaizer Chiefs”, read the line out of one of the poems re: ‘The birth of an enigma, 43 years and counting’.

The launch was carefully crafted with entertainment galore from Motivational Speaker Linda Ntuli, Sebokeng East Dance, Brenda & Xoli Nosenga and many others. Whereas the day belonged to Sedibeng Region for their sterling work of many years, emotions heightened when 111 year old ardent Kaizer Chiefs supporter Mama Elizabeth Maloka walked in with little assist and dressing a smile and outfitted in Gold and Black. In her speech responding to her recognition for her staying power and love for Amakhosi Mama Makola spoke well and challenged the new generation to be responsible, have respect, lead a healthy lifestyle and observe the letter of Love and Peace in order to live longer.

The Region honoured the legendary Simon ‘Bull’ Lehoko for his contribution in Sedibeng. The illustrious career of the former teacher includes his eight years stay and noteworthy days as a Glamour Boy. The once feared defender was full of gratitude for the award as he believed that the award represented a missing piece in the array of awards he has received elsewhere in his lifetime.

The Supporters Relations Manager Cecil Motaung and Retail Manager Emmanuel Khumalo were also recognised for their dedication and excellent service to the Region. Their efforts have been recognised for among others the rise in membership, the seamless processing of renewing club membership and purchasing authentic merchandise. They both received the honours with delight and graciousness.

The presentation of honours saw the tears of joy pouring from the eyes of the Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung who couldn’t hold back the emotions when she was honoured for ‘keeping Amakhosi Gold and Black flag flying high, amazing leadership, ensuring that Chiefs continue to touch lives and for driving Chiefs wheel of innovation and growth…’In her acceptance speech the emotionally charged Jessica thanked the Region for the accolade and her team for their hard work and support. She truly deserves the honour for the work well done.

The big one for the day went to the living legend and iconic Kaizer Chiefs’ Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung. His memoir reads like a journey from Cape to Cairo but the organisers were able to put it succinctly when they referred ‘Chincha Guluva’ as “A man who has over the years stood head and shoulders above the rest, made and continues to make history.” The honour was encapsulated by the Program Director Matolo who rendered a poem dedicated to ‘Chincha’ titled ‘Chincha Guluva The Miracle of our Times’ with one of the lines reading “Thank you for being you, Thank you for uniting us under the Amakhosi umbrella…”

At the end of the formal proceedings the symbolic cutting of the 43rd Birthday cake took place. Jessica Motaung responded on behalf of Kaizer Chiefs; “We would like to thank the Sedibeng Region Executive and everybody who contributed to the successful planning and execution of this event. We love you and we will continue to work with you and other regions to build a strong and sustainable Kaizer Chiefs brand.”

The packed hall randomly dished out Amakhosi battle ground songs. It was a pleasant and spectacular day that will go down as one of the memorable occasions in the Amakhosi history books. The event pretty much summed up the timeless spirit of ‘Amakhosi amahle, abafana bokuthula noxolo, e zika Chinch Guluva!’