Posted in Features, News on Nov 25, 2017.
Hundreds of enthusiastic Amakhosi fans visited South Beach and there was a festive atmosphere ahead of Saturday’s match against Free State Stars.
There were ticket giveaways, Vodacom Shake Every Day hampers, Vodacom airtime vouchers, cellphones, flops, beach towels and many other fabulous prizes.
In the Shakeville Arena, supporters could play human snooker, which is played with the feet and includes six small soccer balls.
A few first team players such as Ramahlwe Mphahlele, William Twala, Sibusiso Khumalo and Emmanuel Letlotlo were present. Former Chiefs star Derrick Spencer was also at the activation.
Elvis Silinda was one of the fans that received a ‘Shake Every Day’ beach towel. “This is magnificent,” he enthused, “I love this towel. It’s really nice and comes handy on the beach.”
With a group of 15 supporters, Silinda came all the away to Durban to attend the activation and tonight’s Free State Stars match. “We always come to our home games, even if they are home-away-from-home like now in Durban,” he explains.
He started following Chiefs from the early 1990s. “My heroes were Doctor Khumalo, Shoes Moshoeu and Neil Tovey,” he reflected on those years. These days his idols are Siphiwe Tshabalala, Willard Katsande and Itumeleng Khune.
“I am so happy to see Derrick Spencer here,” Silinda continued, “as he was my favourite footballer in the days that he played for us.” A few moments later, he got the opportunity to meet the former Glamour Boy.
On Silinda’s jersey is the name ‘Elvis’ with the number ‘100’. “When I started supporting Chiefs I wanted to show my commitment,” he explained, “I am a 100% supporter. I am always 100% behind the team, even if there are times when they are not doing so well. The boys always need our support.”
Supporters on the beach front also visited the various stands, including those of KC Mobile and KC Insurance.
Shindile Shanga was dancing, enjoying the music and the chats from the MC, Vuyo Nyusela. She has been following the Glamour Boys since last year. “Khune is my favourite,” she stated, “but I also love Tshabalala.”
Close to Shanga was Pinky Hlangwana, who lives close to the beach front. “This is so nice,” she commented about the activation. “I am excited to have met William Twala, as I love him. He’s such a good player and he seems like a really friendly guy.”
She has been following Amakhosi since 2010. Hlangwane confirmed that “I am definitely coming to the game on Saturday night.”
Henry Kapotwe, Openfield - Vodacom Project Manager, seemed very satisfied with the activation, despite the drizzling rain. Most supporters also remained, enjoying the atmosphere at the event.
“Traditionally, Kaizer Chiefs and Vodacom go to a shopping centre or mall for an activation,” Kapotwe indicated. “However, the festive season and the holidays are coming up, so we decided to take the activation to the beach. It’s the time of the year that people want to relax and what is more relaxing than be on the beach front, seeing the sea.
“It worked out really well. We are very satisfied with the number of people that attended. We might come back to the beach front with an activation before Chiefs’ last match at home in Durban against Ajax Cape Town on 16 December.”
Meanwhile, the volume of the music raised with ‘Bra Shakes’ teaching the supporters some of his ‘Shake’ moves.
“The atmosphere was simply great,” concluded Kapotwe, before adding, “Everyone can be a winner with Vodacom Shake Every Day by downloading My Vodacom App.”
Kaizer Chiefs host Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership encounter at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, 25 November (kick-off is at 18:00).
Tickets for this important encounter are available at Shoprite/Checkers and Computickets at R60.