Kaizer Chiefs 'legends' slammed - It's not for everybody

Not everyone who played for Kaizer Chiefs deserves to be called the club’s legend after retiring, according to former Amakhosi player Zebulon Nhlapo, who is commonly referred to as Sputla.

Many former Glamour Boys players claim to be legends despite failing to make any remarkable contribution during their active days. This has applied to even players who struggled to deliver for Amakhosi.

Yet to hang his boots, can Tshabalala still cut it as professional? Ex-Chiefs defender responds — Bildnummer: 12961870 Datum: 02.03.2013 Copyright: imago/Gallo Images
Absa Premiership: Kaizer Chiefs v Bidvest Wits JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 02, Siphiwe Tshabalala during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits from FNB S

“There’s Masters and there’s Legends,” Nhlapo told KickOff in the recent interview on the topic.

“Masters are players who have played at the professional level, and Legends are those on the same level as Ace Ntsoelengoe, Teenage Dladla, Sputla Nhlapo, Doctor Khumalo, Itumeleng Khune, Banks Setlhodi—people who have left a significant mark at the club.”

A legend is a special player

Kaizer Motaung and Motaung Jr, Kaizer Chiefs

“Not qualifying as a Kaizer Chiefs legend doesn’t mean you weren’t good, though. A legend is someone who has achieved something at the club. The reason you see Kaizer Chiefs not dominating as much these days is because not all players there are exceptional. Only those who truly deserve it should wear that jersey,” he continued.

“It’s not everybody who played for Kaizer Chiefs who can be a Kaizer Chiefs legend. When we talk about Kaizer Chiefs legends, we can’t just add numbers. Currently, a big club like Kaizer Chiefs is struggling to produce players for the national team. Something that should not happen.

“A legend is a special player. Like Relebohile Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates—you can tell he’s going to be a legend one day. And Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the Bafana Bafana backline—you can tell he’s going to be a legend.

Kaizer Chiefs fans cheering their team in the PSL. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“You can’t just call yourself a Kaizer Chiefs legend. Your story, your achievements must speak for you. Even the owner of the team, Kaizer Motaung, was something else on the field; he is a true legend, but I remember him arguing with Johny Magwegwe over who should wear the number 10 jersey at Kaizer Chiefs, and in the end, Johny Magwegwe won the argument,” Nhlapo concluded.