Kaizer Chiefs’ Head of Digital, Kemiso Motaung, drew rapturous applause for her authentic words of inspiration during her trip to Polokwane on Friday, where she attended a church service and addressed two schools.

Kaizer Chiefs’ social footprint extends way beyond football to include community development and a general commitment to the advancement of South Africa and its people. The Club is proud to have donated sets of playing kit to the schools, as well as a contribution to the awards of excellence presented to some of the deserving students on the day by the city’s Executive Mayor, the Honourable John Mpe.

Following a morning prayer service. Ms. Motaung spoke to learners at the Makgoka and Monoshi High Schools in the presence of the Executive Mayor, who had opened proceedings by welcoming Amakhosi ‘home’ after an absence of eight years.

“We have an agreement where Kaizer Chiefs will use the new Peter Mokaba stadium as one of their home grounds for three years,’ he proclaimed.

“This is a reunion of ourselves and Kaizer Chiefs. You’ll remember that between 2011 and 2015, Kaizer Chiefs did use the Peter Mokaba stadium and 2015 was the last time they were crowned champions (of the PSL),” adding, with tongue in cheek, “I think they realised that it is important to come back home.”

Representing Kaizer Chiefs and all that the Club stands for, Ms. Motaung imparted equal measures of practical wisdom and encouragement in a manner that will no doubt stimulate the hearts and minds of every student in attendance to maximise their potential.

“I am so honoured to stand before you amazing African children. Not only are you beautiful but you are intelligent, the future of our country. As the Honourable Mayor mentioned, We last won the title using Polokwane as a home base and we are hoping and believing that it will happen again,” she said.

Digital media is critical to the success of any enterprise these days and plays an important role in maintaining day to day contact with the fanbase on a personal level, Ms. Motaung’s words of motivation visibly connected with those present in the hall.

“As Head of Digital at Kaizer Chiefs, I, along with my colleagues, engage with our supporters on social and other media platforms and I want to tell you, there are so many opportunities out there. It’s about how you take them and how you use them. Do not be afraid. You represent a rich and beautiful history. Know who you are, African child, know where you come from, this community and the people that are behind you and you will go far.

“There are opportunities in every kind of industry. Any of you can be an engineer, a scientist, or a soccer player… anything. The opportunities are there. You must take them. Work hard, do your best, believe in yourselves and do not ever think you cannot do something.”

Some sage advice followed to remind the students of their own role in any potential accomplishment. Standing before them as a living embodiment of the words she uttered, she pointed out, “Kaizer Chefs is a successful family business but we all work very hard. Our Chairman leads by example and asks the same of all of us. Our Chairman is an extremely humble man and we are small people serving a big brand. So, I stand before you with a very strong team behind me that works tirelessly, but it is all to represent and serve this beautiful brand. More importantly, though, it is to stand as Africans and represent and honour our creator.”

Ms. Motaung went on to express the Club’s pleasure at returning to establish a presence in Polokwane, saying, “We feel very privileged to have the backing of the Province to come and play at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Yet, education is also very important to us. That’s why we are here today. Not only are we a team of male soccer players but we are endeavouring to get into female soccer. I have no doubt that there are some ladies in the audience who want to play, or are already playing, and to that end, I come bearing gifts today.

“We are donating some playing kits for the school, along with a contribution to the awards given out by the Executive Mayor in recognition of excellence. We want to leave a little bit of ourselves with you as a reminder that there are opportunities out there for you, even in the football space.”

The humility and sincerity with which Ms. Motaung delivered her address had a noticeable effect on those in the audience, who sat enthralled by her infectious passion and released a deafening cheer when she concluded with, “We appreciate your support and look forward to interacting with you on our social media platforms. Believe in yourselves. Amakhosi 4 Life!”