Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Kaizer Motaung, has encouraged the Amakhosi to “forever cast their names in stone in the history books of the club” with victory in the CAF Champions League final against Egypt’s Al Ahly.

“This is historic and a moment that we have all been waiting for. It is important to remember that we have come a long way to get here. To some it might appear as a season’s work, but this is an important part of a journey we have travelled over the past 51 years,” Mr Motaung said ahead of Chiefs’ historic first CAF Champions League final.

Being on the cusp of history was the result of a “collective effort” by the current and many former generations who have formed part of the club.

“The team has worked hard to reach the final through trying conditions, coupled with playing at the height of the Covid-19 global pandemic. It took courage, character and commitment to go through all the stages of this competition to reach the final. I want to thank the team and the entire club for their contribution and hard work during the journey to reach the final,” said Motaung.

“I am humbled and want to thank God for enabling me to witness this history of seeing the club play in the CAF Champions League final. I also want to thank all the past and present members of the club – and our legions of loyal supporters that have formed part of our journey – for their contribution,” the Chiefs Chairman added.

He revealed the club had received countless messages of support and encouragement from all corners of the country and beyond its borders.

“My message to the team is that we have worked hard to reach the final. We must now go all out on Saturday to make it count. I also want to encourage the team to remember they are carrying the hopes of the Amakhosi family and the rest of South Africans who are rallying behind the team,” said Mr Motaung.

Chiefs players now have the challenge and opportunity of showcasing their talent “at the pinnacle of continental football” against one of the continent’s most revered teams and opponents in Al Ahly.

“To win the trophy and to put the star on top of the Kaizer Chiefs badge will ensure team members will forever have their names cast in stone in the history books of the club. I am confident they will represent us with pride and dignity.  I wish the team all of the best in the 90 minutes of sweating it out against Al Ahly. We all know they have been there and done it before. But we have also worked hard to reach this stage and we are going for gold,” concluded Mr Motaung.