THE AFRICAN DREAM

Kaizer Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung and coach Stuart Baxter plot the way forward.

Photos: BackpagePix By ZAAHIER ADAMS

Kaizer Chiefs are hoping Keagan Dolly can rekindle their glory days

KAIZER Chiefs, also famously known as the Glamour Boys, are undoubtedly the aristocrats of South African football built on the riches of Kaizer Motaung’s family dynasty.

A true sign of transformation is through generational wealth with the club now virtually entrusted in the hands of the off-spring. Bra Kaizer’s children – Bobby (football manager), Jessica (marketing director) and Kaizer Jnr (sporting director) run the operations at Naturena.

It is this youthful and energising vision that is raising Chiefs to unprecedented heights. Amakhosi’s dream run to their maiden Caf Champions League final appearance last season unlocked new markets on the continent for Jessica and Kaizer Jnr to explore, bringing their goal of transforming Chiefs into the biggest sporting brand in Africa closer to realisation.

“It’s great to see our support base growing on the continent. Being able to broadcast online and finding new audiences outside South Africa. It’s also been great to see the brand grow in North Africa – in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco,” said Jessica.

Chiefs will play to the rhythmic tempo of Keagan Dolly.

“But while our continent is beautiful and we will continue to meander through it, we are now after the world, we want the world to be a lot more aware of the brand.”

All these initiatives count for nothing if it’s not based on the foundation of results on the pitch though and Chiefs have only just emerged from a traumatic domestic season that was ruptured with the Amakhosi faithful marching to the gates of Naturena demanding better from their team, which ultimately led to the departure of coach Gavin Hunt.

But the winds of change are blowing through Chiefs with Englishman Stuart Baxter back in the coaching hot seat. They have also put together a talent-laden squad that can hopefully topple four-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns from their perch.

The marquee signing of Keagan Dolly from League 1 side Montpellier has certainly signified their intent.

Chiefs will play to Dolly’s rhythmic tempo this season and hopefully the 28-year-old midfield maestro can rekindle the glory days of yesteryear when Doctor Khumalo, Ace Khuse and the late John “Shoes” Moshoeu were pulling the strings in the heart of Amakhosi’s midfield.