Posted in Features, News on Jul 17, 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs legends, Stanton Fredericks and Siyabonga Nomvethe kicked off an historic two-day visit to Ghana on 16 July, with their first stop in Asante Kotoko’s home territory of Kumasi. The trip comes ahead of the fast-approaching Toyota Cup clash against the Ghanaian giants. The visit formed part of the Club’s African footprint campaign and included a community outreach programme, a courtesy visit to the Ashanti King, and a return to the iconic Baba Yara Stadium. The engagements were designed to not only promote the upcoming Toyota Cup match, set for 26 July at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, but also to deepen cultural and sporting relationships between South Africa and Ghana.
The day began with a vibrant CSI activation at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where the Amakhosi delegation was joined by counterparts Asante Kotoko in engaging with students and the local football community. The Chiefs legends led the outreach, sharing their football journeys, encouraging dialogue, and uniting fans from both countries under the banner of development and passion for the beautiful game.
“The visit at the university was awesome in terms of the relationship building. It’s putting the Chiefs brand out there on the continent and creating awareness of the Toyota Cup,” said Fredericks. He added that the Toyota Cup campaign will be a tool to foster a stronger relationship between the two clubs, “This tournament will grow from strength to strength; there is a history between the two clubs and the rivalry between the two is healthy.”
Siyabonga Nomvethe, a very popular figure in Ghana, said the visit to Kumasi was a deeply memorable moment: “To come back to Ghana and be part of something so meaningful, ahead of a major fixture, is a privilege. The spirit we felt shows why African football is so special.” Nomvethe’s fame in the West African state came as a result of his solitary goal for Bafana Bafana that knocked out the Black Stars at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.
In a nostalgic moment, Fredericks and Nomvethe visited to the Baba Yara Stadium. The venue holds deep significance, having hosted the 2006 World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Ghana, where both players represented Bafana Bafana. “This stadium is full of memories for me. We played one of our toughest games here, and now to return as part of this campaign feels like a full-circle moment,” said Nomvethe. Fredericks echoed the sentiment: “Walking onto this pitch again reminded me of the power football has to create lifelong connections.”
Following the brief stop at the Stadium, the Chiefs delegation paid a formal visit to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene and King of the Ashanti Kingdom, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The meeting symbolised respect, tradition, and the powerful role football plays in connecting cultures. The King was gifted with Kaizer Chiefs jersey signed by the chairman of the Club, Dr. Kaizer Motaung.
“We welcome Kaizer Chiefs to Kumasi and appreciate their respect for our customs and our people. Football brings nations together, and this partnership with Asante Kotoko reflects the unity we want to see across Africa,” His Majesty said during the visit which ended with a radio interview at Opemesuo FM inside the Palace compound.
The King’s club, as Asante Kotoko are affectionately known, welcomed the opportunity to collaborate ahead of the high-profile Toyota Cup encounter. Speaking during the engagements, a club legend and board member, Kwesi Appiah, reflected on the shared vision between the clubs, saying, “Chiefs and Kotoko are more than clubs, they are symbols of legacy. This connection goes beyond 90 minutes. It’s about showing Africa what unity through sport truly looks like. We look forward to a fruitful relationship.”
The Toyota Cup, which will be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 26 July, promises not only football, but also a cultural celebration. Tickets are available at R80 online at Opentickets and physically at Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores country wide. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
