Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung says his club has demonstrated over the years that it provides happiness to most South Africans.
Chiefs are the most supported club in the country but their fans have endured pain over the last 10 years, although winning the Nedbank Cup last season reduced their suffering somewhat.
Motaung says he did not know he would touch the hearts of millions of South Africans when he founded the club 55 years ago but is glad that he has played his part in making them happy.
The Chiefs boss used the Nedbank Cup win as testament to how well Chiefs are loved, saying the celebrations witnessed across the country when they ended their 10-year trophy drought last term, demonstrated how Amakhosi has contributed to the happiness of South Africans.
Chiefs determines happiness in Mzansi, says Motaung
“Kaizer Chiefs determines the happiness index of this country. A couple of weeks ago, we won a cup after 10 years or so,” Motaung said when he was conferred with an honorary doctorate in commerce by the Wits University.
“The country was in a very different mood. I have never seen the country like that. It was like there was a World Cup that was played here and yet it was just a local competition, Nedbank Cup.
“That demonstrated the power that our supporters have. Everywhere when you watch TV you see universities, hostels, townships, everywhere people were celebrating and this tells you how much we touch the people of this country.
“I am very proud to have made a contribution to make a lot of people happy,” added the 80-year-old.
How did Kaizer Sr start the Glamour Boys?
Born on October 16, 1944 in the township of Orlando in Soweto, Chincha Guluva, as he is popularly known, started his football journey in the streets of Phefeni before his talents were noticed as a school teenager, and he would soon join Orlando Pirates as a 16-year-old.
He later moved to the United States, where he turned out for Atlanta Chiefs, and it was while there that he had a vision to change the face of South African football.
Upon his return in 1969, he decided to start a club that would identify and harness local talents and on January 7, 1970, Kaizer Chiefs was born.
Under his guidance, the Glamour Boys have become the darling of South Africa and Africa, winning 13 league titles and over 40 cups.
