South Africa – Football supporters often brave the blistering elements and literally carry their favourite clubs’ flags high yet are relegated to the shadows and denied the credit they deserve.
Kaizer Chiefs changed that when they came into the picture in the early 1970s.
Abafana Bok’thula Noxolo became a new home for those who, for one reason or another, couldn’t identify with clubs such as Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows.
Credited with bringing women supporters into the fold, Chiefs have over 500 branches across southern Africa.
According to club boss Dr. Kaizer Motaung, “branches are effectively a home from home for our supporters as they’re, in essence, a social club for people who share a common interest and deep-seated love for the team and meet and engage about their passion”.
Amakhosi supporters meet once a month to discuss match attendance, branch events, social activities, and outreach programmes, as well as to raise funds for community projects.
They also discuss club-related matters such as membership cards and counterfeiting, as well as supporting the club’s retail, mobile, and insurance initiatives.
Information shared through Amakhosi Magazine, KCTV, and branch newsletters is debated at the meetings.
Said Motaung: “Members provide vital support structure for each other and stand together through thick and thin, good and bad, happy or sad. A branch-supported funeral is a totally unique and deeply respected honour.
“Branches are run by passionate people who’re elected to the various portfolios for a three-year term. They give freely of their time and aren’t compensated for their effort and time in any way.”
Branches elect a representative structure, which in turn elects a provincial committee.
Each province has two seats on the national executive committee (NexCo), headed by a national strategic adviser.
“The NexCo 2018 strategic vision supports that of the club in terms of growing the support base across the full spectrum of our rainbow nation, improving game attendance, as well as unifying the stadium experience ‘with one voice’,” said Motaung.
The club has achieved the following in its five decades-long existence:
- Ninety-three trophies
- Thirteen-time League Championship winners
- Fifteen top 8 titles, the most by any team in SA
- Thirteen-time League Cup winners
(Edited by Mlungisi Zondi)
