South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs celebrated their 51st birthday yesterday, Thursday, 7 January 2021
Chiefs FC was founded in 1970, shortly after the return of Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung from the United States where he played as a striker for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
He combined his own first name with the Atlanta Chiefs to create the name Kaizer Chiefs.
Several other people played key roles in the formation and growth of Kaizer Chiefs, including the late Gilbert Sekgabi, Clarence Mlokoti, China Ngema, Ewert “The Lip” Nene and Johannes ‘Ryder’ Mofokeng.
CHIEFS’ NICKNAMES ARE AMAKHOSI AND GLAMOUR BOYS
The team is nicknamed Amakhosi which means “Lords” or “Chiefs” in Zulu, and the Phefeni Glamour Boys.
Chiefs have won 12 league titles (four in the PSL era) and over 50 club trophies. Those four PSL titles came in 2003/04, 2004/05, 2012/13 and 2014/15.
KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE HAD SEVERAL FAMOUS PLAYERS
Among their many domestic cup titles, Chiefs are 15-time winners of the MTN 8, 13-time winners of the Telkom Knockout and 13-time Nedbank Cup champions.
Among their many domestic cup titles, Chiefs are 15-time winners of the MTN 8, 13-time winners of the Telkom Knockout and 13-time Nedbank Cup champions.
Famous players who donned the black and gold jersey in the past include, among others, Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Patrick Ntsoelengoe, Gary Bailey, John “Shoes” Moshoeu, Shaun Bartlett, Steve Komphela, Siyabonga Nomvete, and Doctor Khumalo.
Chiefs are the most supported club in Sub-Saharan Africa with over two million Twitter followers and nearly 3.3 million followers on Facebook.
Kaizer Chiefs turns 51
Here's to a new decade, a new journey that is filled with endless opportunities.
Thank you Khosi Family for being part of our journey.#KC51 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/u1C32V0P9U
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 7, 2021
Kaizer Chiefs turns 51
“It is such a honour and privilege to witness how this Club has grown and developed over the last 51 years. I would also like make a special dedication to our passionate and die-hard supporters who are the cornerstone of our success" #KC51 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/OflIjqn1Hy
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 7, 2021
Current Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune expressed his wishes as well.
Happy 51st birthday to the club that I love and cherish with all my heart and soul. I’m grateful to have added value to this magnificent institution and may the good Lord keep on blessing Kaizer Chiefs with many more glory filled years. https://t.co/J1Dy206x1s #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/JpHMuirWa9
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 7, 2021
