Posted in News on Jan 09, 2013.
The Glamour Boys who turned 43 on Monday, 7 January are in search of the elusive league title and with the team going to the break leading the pack there is hope among Kaizer Chiefs faithful that this is a season to Reclaim the Glory.
Sam Motaung who was there back in 1969 when Kaizer X1 started sited next to another stalwart Sarah Mokgatle, both believe that 2012/13 season belongs to Amakhosi.
“We will win the league if Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) stays fit. He is a key player for us. Teamwork will be key as well. I am impressed with the work ethic of the players this season and I think we can make it,” said Sam Motaung who also played for the Club when it started and retired in 1972.
Mokgathle who also served the Club in the early days added; “We will reclaim the glory this year. We need to remain united. One of the things that took us to the top in the past was unity behind the same goal – winning. The Club was also found on solid values of love and peace.
Both stalwarts agree that sound administration is what has propelled the Club to become the biggest sporting brand in the continent as Sam Motaung indicated; “Kaizer (Motaung), Ngema (China) and the departed (RIP) Ewert (Nene), Mlokoti (Clarence) and Msibi (Elijah) laid a solid foundation as far as administration is concerned and their vision was key. Kaizer has continued with a wonderful job and I have no doubt the Club will continue to be a dominant force for many decades to come.
Chiefs now based in Naturena, The Village had to move around when the Club started back in 1970, “I remember we used to sit at Kaizer’s home first and then we moved to Dube,” remarked Motaung.
“We moved from Dube to Anderson Street, Bree Street, and Klempson House in Commissioner Street. My responsibility then included driving the Chairman (Kaizer Motaung). I also recruited players.
Mokgathle jumped in, “He contributed to the development of the talents of the likes of Doctor (Khumalo) and Lucas Radebe. Bra Sam had a strong eye for talent even today he still speaks passionately about players.
Motaung who is known for his modesty just smiled; “It was all teamwork but our strength was in bringing the best players to the Club. I am pleased with the talent we have in the squad this season. We have the best defence. I feel we are doing well in the midfield….I do think we must improve our aggression upfront. I think the strikers we have though need to be congratulated for the job well done so far this season.
Motaung regarded Jeff Butler as the best Kaizer Chiefs coach ever; “He loved his job and understood the culture of the Club and that is why he was so successful. His team in 1992 that won us the treble was one of the best sides ever.
“I am also impressed with Stuart Baxter he has done very well with Doc Khumalo next to him. The other good thing is seeing Arthur (Zwane) and Ace (Khuse) also being part of the Technical Team. Baxter needs the support from everyone from the leadership and the supporters for him to deliver on his mandate.
Who are your three best players? Motaung jumped in; “The late Pule ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe was a master and a crowd puller. I think Bull Lehoko is the best defender ever to don the gold and black. Also the late ‘Zero My Hero’ Johnson was an organiser in the middle of the park.
Mokgathle countered; “I think Jimmy ‘Brixton Tower’ Joubert was the best defender ever for the Club, almost unbeatable in the air and on the ground. Teenage was superb and I think the best for Chiefs. Ryder (Mofokeng), ‘Captain my Captain’, would also make my top three,”
The debate about who is the best player ever for Kaizer Chiefs evokes a lot of emotions for fans and it is the same with the two as they shared the yesteryears memories with kaizerchiefs.com on Tuesday afternoon.
They both agree on one thing though that Kaizer Chiefs will Reclaim the Glory in 2013.
Chiefs 43rd Birthday
