Motaung: I was confident that Chiefs would be successful

Kaizer Motaung says he always knew that Kaizer Chiefs would be successful, as the Premier Soccer League club celebrates its 50th year.

In a question and answer session on the official Amakhosi website, the Chiefs chairman recalled some of his fond memories, while expressing what he feels it means to be a leader in South African football.

Kaizer Chiefs were formed 7 January 1970, and in recognition of the club's supporters, they were afforded the opportunity to write into the Chairman with their questions.

Reflecting on the past 50 years, Motaung said as quoted by the clubs official website: "To be quite honest, I didn’t think it would happen that we are where we are after 50 years.

"The only thing I was confident about was that we would be successful, but I never imagined it would happen in the first 50 years."

He went on to explain the importance of the first 10 years of Chiefs' existence.

"It was the most crucial time because no one gave us a chance," he continued.

"We've had to exert ourselves and ensure we don't falter. We had to assemble a strong team on the field and a solid administrative team.

"Remember in the first 4 years, I was travelling between South Africa and Atlanta as I was still playing, so we’ve had to ensure that the team working here was strong."

Motaung added that his best ever signing was the late Ace Ntsoelengoe, who he called a "special player".

And on his advice to the future generations of Kaizer Chiefs' custodians, the Chairman concluded: "My advice to the ones who will come after me is that they need to be leaders.

"That doesn't mean you come in here and call all the shots. A leader works with people. A leader works alongside team members with expertise that will address the needs of the company.

"You need to be able to work with people who are leaders in their own right. She or he should be able to encourage and empower those he works with. She or he must have the vision and wisdom to show others the way. She or he should not micromanage people.

"You need to trust that the people you have around you do their work and not check on them every often. It’s like on the pitch, there are 11 leaders who have to work with each other."

- TEAMtalk media