Chiefs rule on field and off

THE AMAKHOSI celebrated their 50th birthday in fine style on Wednesday night, when they dispatched Highlands Park 3-0 at the FNB Stadium.

The fact that they scored three goals and increased their lead at the top of the Premiership standings to six points from secondplaced Mamelodi Sundowns was the ideal gift to a party that started a few days before.

On the field, it was important for Chiefs to get back to winning ways, having lost 2-1 to Supersport United on Saturday.

But that defeat proved to be a temporary dent in the Amakhosi’s bid for the league title, with a brace by Leonardo Castro and a brilliant bicycle-kick strike by defender Eric Mathoho securing all three points against Highlands Park.

Off the field, chairman Kaizer Motaung invited his club’s fans to attend the match on Wednesday night by providing free tickets, and an estimated 45000 Amakhosi supporters helped to make it a memorable occasion.

Motaung and a number of

Chiefs legends came on to the pitch at half-time to cut a commemorative cake, while the players also wore a specially designed all-black jersey.

It proved to be a lucky charm on the night, but what hasn’t been just a lucky coincidence has been the success of the Amakhosi.

Chiefs have come a long way since their formation on January 7, 1970, and is one of the biggest clubs in Africa and around the world.

They have a fanatical support base, which is evidenced on an almost weekly basis as they attract big crowds whenever they play, all around South Africa.

In fact, they even have a “second home” in Durban, and have hosted matches in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Mbombela.

Motaung said in a birthday message to the fans that “never in our wildest dreams did we think we would be where we are today”.

The cherry on the 50th birthday cake would be the league title, with the Soweto giants having last won significant silverware in the 2014/15 season.

But whether they win it in the end or not, let us salute Kaizer Chiefs for their contribution to South African football, and long may it continue.