Kaizer Motaung reflects on the challenges he faced when founding Kaizer Chiefs - 'Many thought it was a crazy idea'

Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung has reflected on how he formed Kaizer Chiefs to grow it into a huge football brand.

The Soweto giants command a huge following in the Premier Soccer League and are also well known in Africa.

Having founded Amakhosi in 1970, Motaung opens up on their early years and the rise to become a powerful force in football.

“One of the most significant challenges I faced was starting Kaizer Chiefs FC and building it into the powerhouse it is today," said Motaung as per Amakhosi website.

“When we founded Kaizer Chiefs in 1970, many thought it was a crazy idea. We had limited resources, no established fan base, and a lot of scepticism about our chances of success. But I believed in the potential of the club, and I was determined to make it happen.

“There were many obstacles along the way. We faced financial struggles, logistical challenges, and intense competition from established teams.

"But I never gave up. I worked tirelessly to build a strong club, attracted talented players, and developed a winning culture and subsequently became known as the winners," added the former Orlando Pirates star.

“One of the most successful and beloved football clubs in South Africa. We've won multiple titles and produced some of the country's most talented players, who have gone on to represent South Africa on the international stage.

“The journey to building Kaizer Chiefs was not easy, but it was worth it. It taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and visionary leadership."

In their history, Chiefs have won 12 league titles across different eras from the National Professional Soccer League, National Soccer League to the present-day Premier Soccer League.

They lifted the then CAF Cup Winners' Cup in 2001 and reached the CAF Champions League final in 2021.

In recognition of his contribution to South African football, Motaung was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the Wits University’s Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management on Tuesday.

It was his second honorary doctorate following another in Social Science from the University of Cape Town in 2022.

Having last won the PSL title in 2015, Chiefs are pressed to break Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance of the league.

Under coach Nasreddine Nabi, they are will also attempt to defend the Nedbank Cup which they won last season as they also compete in the Carling Knockout and CAF Confederation Cup in the upcoming term.