Posted in Features, News on Oct 16, 2025.
Just as it a norm every year on 16 October, today the Amakhosi family stands united once again in celebration to pay tribute and honour our leader, founder, Chairman, and guiding light, Dr. Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung on his 81st birthday. A man whose name is not only etched into the fabric of South African football, but whose vision and leadership have shaped the very soul of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club and the beautiful game in Africa.
Born in Orlando East, Soweto in 1944, before his family moved to Phefeni in Orlando West, Dr. Motaung’s journey began with a dream and a ball at his feet. From his early days dazzling fans for Orlando Pirates from the age of 16, to his trailblazing stint in the United States with Atlanta Chiefs, he returned home with a mission: to build something extraordinary. In 1970, that mission became reality when at the age of 25, with support from some of the founding fathers, he founded Kaizer Chiefs, a Club that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of excellence across the country, the continent and the world.
Dr. Motaung’s legacy is not just measured in the many trophies in our cabinet or the family of millions of fans he has created, it is measured in the many lives he has touched, the careers he has developed and nurtured, and the communities he has uplifted from the south to the north of South Africa and outside our nation. His commitment to professionalism, youth development, and social responsibility laid the foundation for a Club that transcends sport.
Under his stewardship, Kaizer Chiefs became more than a football team, it became a movement; a place where talent meets opportunity, where flair meets discipline, and where dreams are given the space to grow. His influence has reached far beyond the borders of South Africa, earning him international recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga, and induction into the South African Hall of Fame.
Chincha Guluva is not only our founder; he is our mentor, our father, our leader and our eternal captain. His humility, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of sport to unite and inspire continue to guide every step we take as the Amakhosi family.
To our beloved Chairman: thank you for your courage, your vision, and your love for the beautiful game that gave birth to Kaizer Chiefs over 55 years ago. Thank you for building a legacy that generations will cherish and carry forward. As you celebrate your 81st birthday today, may you be surrounded by the warmth of family, the pride of your achievements, and the joy of knowing that your dream lives on.
From all of us at Kaizer Chiefs – players, who are on their way to the Democratic of Congo to represent you, staff members, millions of supporters whose blood is Gold & Black, and the broader football community, we say: Happy Birthday Bra K, Boy-Boy, Chincha Guluva. You are our legend; our leader and we love you. May God keep you strong for many more years. Ha Hlalele ha ho marena a mangata, Morena ke Hlalele a inotshi. Tau! Namane e tshehla.
