Chiefs can learn from Sundowns’ takeover plans

TLHOPIE Motsepe is his father’s son. Not only did he follow in the footsteps of Motsepe senior, Patrice, by studying law at Wits University, before being his understudy and successor on some of the boards he chaired, but he’s a reflection of him as well.

This week, I spent a few hours in Hammanskraal during Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 Goal for Charity event. In attendance was Tlhopie, the Downs chairman who took over the reins after his father ascended to the highest seat in African football.

Those who’ve been in close proximity to Tlhopie will know that he sounds and speaks exactly like Patrice. He’s not a direct and straight forward person as well. That’s why he usually takes many off ramps before getting to his destination.

Tlhopie’s speech to the scholars, who braved the scorching heat, about the number of seconds, in a day, week, month and year, was a typical Motsepe lesson. And for that he showed that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

But not everyone is proud that the 31-year-old is a younger version of Patrice. There are those who expect him to be his own man, at once. Perhaps, it’s worth remembering that Tlhopie only hit the thrust of fame last year as Downs’ boss.

That’s why it might take some time before he finds his own identity. So for now, let’s savour the direction that the Motsepe family is taking. They are not only making the Soweto big two look like novices on the field but in the boardroom as well.

It must be every parent’s dream to witness their legacy live on and carried by generations. And Patrice has wasted no time in ensuring that he appoints his heir and successor while he’s still alive, as he gets to reap the fruits he sows.

When Kaizer Chiefs created a “Sporting Director” position for Kaizer Motaung Junior, their fans were happy with the direction that the club was taking: injection of young blood. But was that necessary, when they could have picked a new boss?

Ntate Kaizer Motaung, 77, is one of the revered visionaries of South African football. And nothing will wipe away his incredible mark. But there comes a time for the greatest to hand over the baton. And perhaps his time is now.

Motaung has many capable hands at his disposal, given that his three other children besides Kaizer – Bobby, Jessica and Kemiso – are working within the operations of the clubs. So that should assure him that the club will thrive, always.

Granted it may have taken Patrice to be appointed as the CAF chief before he gave Tlhopie the reins, but that the 31-year-old has three revered coaches in his roster, who could win four titles this term, shows the system is working.

It is working, so much so that there were reports that the presidency role at the club, which Patrice Motsepe occupied, could be frozen, with Tlhopie set to continue as the chairperson.

That’s why Soweto’s finest need to wake up and smell the coffee.