Kaizer Chiefs Football Club stands as one of the most recognisable sporting institutions in South Africa. Based in Naturena, south of Johannesburg, the club competes in the country’s top division, the Premiership, and carries a legacy that stretches back more than five decades. Known affectionately as AmaKhosi — meaning “Kings” or “Chiefs” in isiZulu — the team has long been associated with glamour, prestige, and widespread popular appeal.
The club was founded in January 1970 by Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung after his return from the United States, where he had played professional football for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League. Inspired by his experiences abroad, Motaung combined his own name with that of his former team to create the identity that would become one of the most powerful brands in African football. From the beginning, the club benefited from the support of key figures such as Gilbert Sekgabi, Clarence Mlokoti, China Ngema, Ewert Nene, and others who helped shape its early development.
Building a Football Institution
From its first years, Kaizer Chiefs quickly evolved into more than just a football team. It became a cultural symbol, particularly within township communities, where football served as both entertainment and a form of identity. Over time, Chiefs built a reputation as one of the most decorated clubs in South African football history, collecting league titles and domestic trophies across different eras.
The club’s administrative stability has played a major role in sustaining its long-term success. Bobby Motaung, son of founder Kaizer Motaung, has been a central figure in the club’s management since the 1990s, contributing to recruitment decisions, organisational strategy, and the continued growth of the Chiefs brand. The club’s headquarters, known as Kaizer Chiefs Village, lies just a few kilometres south of Johannesburg and serves as the operational heart of the institution.
Triumphs, Glory and Tragedy
Among the most remarkable periods in Chiefs history came in the early 2000s. The 2001–02 era delivered one of the club’s most dominant trophy runs, with four major titles secured in the space of just a few months. These included the Vodacom Challenge, the BP Top Eight, the Coca-Cola Cup, and the African Cup Winners’ Cup. At the time, the team’s dominance earned the nickname “Operation Vat Alles”, meaning “take everything”, a phrase that captured the club’s winning momentum.
Yet this successful period also coincided with one of the darkest moments in South African football history. On 11 April 2001, tragedy struck during a Soweto Derby between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Ellis Park Stadium, when overcrowding led to a disaster that claimed the lives of 43 supporters. The incident remains a painful chapter in the club’s history and in the broader story of South African sport.
Despite this sorrowful moment, Chiefs’ achievements during the period were recognised on the continental stage. In 2002, the Confederation of African Football named the club CAF Club of the Year, acknowledging their success in African competition.
Domestic Dominance and Memorable Seasons
The early Premier Soccer League era also produced major successes for Chiefs. The 2003–04 campaign saw the club crowned league champions for the first time in the PSL era, while the following season delivered one of the most dramatic title races in South African football. During the 2004–05 season, Chiefs overtook long-time leaders Orlando Pirates on the final day to retain the championship. That season also featured a remarkable individual performance from Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma, who scored 39 goals in all competitions under coach Ted Dumitru.
Although Chiefs experienced periods of inconsistency in later years, they continued to maintain their status as a major force in domestic competitions and high-profile cup tournaments. The club’s participation in events like the Vodacom Challenge ensured they remained internationally visible, even during seasons when continental competition proved difficult due to administrative sanctions from CAF.
Continental Ambitions and Modern Era Challenges
Kaizer Chiefs have consistently aimed to compete on the African stage, and one of their most notable recent achievements came in 2021 when they reached the CAF Champions League final for the first time in their history. Their journey to the final included a dramatic semi-final victory over Wydad AC. Although the club ultimately lost 3–0 to Al Ahly in the final, the run marked a significant milestone and reaffirmed Chiefs’ continental relevance.
Domestically, however, the modern era has brought challenges. The 2019–20 season remains particularly memorable for supporters, as Chiefs led the league table for most of the campaign before losing the title on the final day, finishing just two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns. More recently, the 2023–24 season proved difficult, with the club finishing tenth in the PSL standings under interim coach Cavin Johnson — their lowest finish in the PSL era.
Despite fluctuations in results, the club returned to silverware in the 2024–25 season by winning the Nedbank Cup, reminding supporters that the Chiefs tradition of success remains alive.
Stadiums and Home Support
Unlike some clubs with a single long-term home ground, Kaizer Chiefs have historically rotated between multiple stadiums in Johannesburg. Over the years they have used several venues, but their primary home for major matches has been the iconic FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City. With a capacity of over 94,000, it is the largest stadium in South Africa and provides a fitting stage for one of the country’s biggest clubs.
Plans were once announced to build a dedicated Amakhosi Stadium in 2006, but the project stalled and has not materialised. As a result, Chiefs continue to rely on existing venues while maintaining one of the strongest supporter bases in African football.
The Soweto Derby and Cultural Influence
No discussion of Kaizer Chiefs is complete without mentioning the Soweto Derby. The rivalry with Orlando Pirates dates back to the club’s founding and carries layers of history, identity, and emotion. Matches between the two teams consistently draw enormous crowds and national attention, making the fixture one of the most famous derbies on the African continent.
Chiefs’ cultural impact extends beyond rivalry matches. The club has produced and hosted some of South Africa’s most celebrated footballers, including Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, John Moshoeu, Shaun Bartlett, Siyabonga Nomvete, and Siphiwe Tshabalala. Their contributions have shaped both the club’s identity and the national team’s history.
A Club Built on Support and Legacy
Kaizer Chiefs are widely regarded as the most supported football club in South Africa. Estimates placed their fanbase at more than 16 million at the turn of the century, and attendance figures have often led the league. Their average home attendance during the 2019–20 season was the highest in the Premiership, demonstrating the enduring loyalty of their supporters.
More than five decades after its founding, Kaizer Chiefs remains one of the defining institutions of South African football. Through triumphs, heartbreak, transitions, and renewal, the club continues to represent ambition, heritage, and the emotional heartbeat of millions of fans across the country.