Kaizer Chiefs founder and Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung has been honoured with an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Friday.
The honorary degree of Doctor Of Social Science Honoris Causa was awarded to Motaung for his contribution to South African football over the years.
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Statement:
Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman and Founder Kaizer Motaung was honoured today by the University of Cape Town (UCT) at a graduation ceremony in the Mother City.
The prestigious university, which is one of the world’s leading tertiary institutions, bestowed the title of Doctor Of Social Science Honoris Causa, upon the Chiefs Chairman, who was accompanied at the event by his family members.
The University of Cape Town honoured the Kaizer Chiefs Chairman for his contribution to football and social development in the country.
Kaizer Chiefs would like to congratulate the Chairman for the prestigious title that has been awarded to him, as well as acknowledge his hard work in helping grow the game of football in South Africa and ensuring the upliftment over the past five decades of marginalized and disadvantaged footballers.
The Chairman has also been at the forefront of building Kaizer Chiefs into a leading global football club and brand.
With the doctorate that has been bestowed on him by UCT the Chiefs Chairman has now earned the title of Doctor Kaizer Motaung.
Dr Kaizer Motaung, after receiving the award, expressed his gratitude to the university and Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng for the invitation and honour.
“When I received the invitation from the vice-chancellor, I regarded it as a high honour. Particularly as it comes when UCT is ranked top in Africa.
“I have not accepted invitations from other institutions to be honoured. I did so as I felt I had not scratched the surface yet. I believe there is so much work outstanding to be done in our country.”
The Kaizer Chiefs founder used the opportunity to reflect on his life in football and thank all those who believe in him and help to achieve his dream.
“Today I look back and say it was painful but worth it.” He said.
“We used our family home as a clubhouse. Thanks to my parents, who allowed it and provided hospitality to the team, including supporters who would come unannounced from time to time.
“Today I look back and am thankful to many men and women past and present who believe in this dream of forming this colossal brand, Kaizer Chiefs.” He said.
Motaung started playing soccer for Orlando Pirates at 16. He entered the world of international soccer in 1968 when Atlanta Chiefs founder and owner Dick Cecil and former West Ham United player Phil Woosnam recruited him after team trials in Zambia.
Motaung founded Kaizer Chiefs on January 7 1970 when he returned to South Africa from the US at the height of apartheid while he was still a player.
The team became the most successful in the country, winning more than 78 trophies and gaining an estimated 14-million supporters throughout the country.
His contributions to soccer extended beyond Kaizer Chiefs as he was also at the forefront of the formation of the National Soccer League and Premier Soccer League in 1985 and 1996 respectively.