Motaung: 'Not an easy journey but all 50 years have been golden'

Cape Town - As Kaizer Chiefs prepares to mark its 50th birthday on Wednesday, it will do so with a year of celebration that pays tribute to the loyal supporters, phenomenal players, dedicated staff and partners that have helped make the club one of the biggest in the world.

"Over the five decades since the establishment of Kaizer Chiefs, we have been humbled that the club has been embraced by millions countrywide, across the African continent and around the globe,” club chairperson Kaizer Motaung said in a statement released.

"It has not been an easy journey, but all 50 years have been golden, and we are grateful to all those who have played a role and sacrificed so much for the club’s success."

Amakhosi Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung, says that since its formation in 1970, the club has consistently been South Africa’s most successful and best-supported club, and one of the biggest clubs not only on the African continent but in world football.

"As we kick-start our 50th-anniversary activities, we will do so reflecting on an African legacy that continues to go from strength to strength over the years. We stand on the shoulders of giants and it will be a year of celebration and appreciation of the role played by so many in the club’s success, and also a time of exciting evolution as the club embraces the future,” Motaung added.

Ahead of the major milestone, the club has launched a striking 50th-anniversary logo and also an iconic commemorative jersey, in partnership with its technical sponsor Nike.

The new classic all-black jersey, with its gold V-neck and gold band around the sleeves, is a tribute to the club’s formative years in the 1970’s – and a nod to the city of gold in which it was established - and is sure to become a collector’s item.

Over the coming weeks, in a campaign unveiling the new jersey the club will pay tribute to its legendary former players, long-serving staff and some of its dedicated supporters countrywide.

The new commemorative jersey, the club’s third jersey of the season, will be available to supporters from 6 January 2020 at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, all Kaizer Chiefs retail stores, online at the kcdigistore.com as well as major retailers.

"The club was very clear and deliberate with Nike when it came to the design and significance of the new 50th jersey, which pays tribute to the club’s strong heritage and rich history. Turning 50 is a remarkable landmark for us as Kaizer Chiefs. We have worked tirelessly through the years to make it the institution it is today, and we are happy with the launch of this iconic jersey that we are inspired by our roots," says Motaung.   

Fans will get to witness the Glamour Boys in their 50th celebration kit on Wednesday as the Soweto giants welcome Highlands Park to FNB Stadium for a midweek Absa Premiership.

Kick-off is at 19:30.