Share

Motaung: My son is out of line

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs' executive chairperson Kaizer Motaung snr apologised on Thursday for his son Bobby Motaung's boastful utterances, as internal turmoil deepened within the club.

Motaung jnr, the club's football manager, told reporters on Wednesday he did not have to submit a CV as he was "born and not elected" to be at Chiefs. He added he would be a part of the club "for as long as it exists".

Motaung snr reportedly asked for an emergency meeting on Thursday morning, where Motaung jnr and coach Vladimir Vermezovic were present.

"I would like to convey, with great humility, my heartfelt regret and unreserved apologies at the offence these comments have caused to many of our supporters - people who are at the heart of Kaizer Chiefs," Motaung snr wrote in his column on the club's website.

"When the team's captaincy issue was addressed... the football manager made certain unfortunate comments," he said, referring to Wednesday's press briefing.

"I would like to assure our supporters that we will never take their support for granted. We sincerely appreciate that Kaizer Chiefs' success has been due to their unflinching support, whether we have won or lost."

The press conference on Wednesday, at the club's headquarters in Naturena, was meant to "clear the air" on recent internal trouble that saw Jimmy Tau sacked as captain.

Vermezovic publicly questioned Tau's leadership qualities. The senior player would however still be an integral part of the squad for this season.

Journalists were told that star player and Bafana vice-captain Siphiwe Tshabalala was not considered for the captaincy because he was not totally committed to the club, and still eyed an overseas move.

Some quarters within the team have questioned the Serb's man-management skills and abrasive attitude.

"Like most teams we too have our challenges and because of our profile some of these challenges have to be addressed under the glare of the public eye," continued Motaung snr in his letter.

"The emotive nature of the game of soccer means that, at times, comments are made in the heat of the moment and should be considered in that light."

With Chiefs eliminated in the first round of the Telkom Knockout by Platinum Stars last weekend, a competition they won last season, they are preparing to face the same Stars in the league this Saturday in Polokwane.

Chiefs' fortunes have been better in the Premiership. They are second on the league with 16 points after eight rounds of matches.

New captain and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will resume his leadership duties later next month as he recovers from pneumonia.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE