Chiefs have gift for fans as club turns 50

KAIZER Chiefs will celebrate the first game as a 50-year-old club with its supporters at FNB Stadium on January 8, 2020, by giving away free match tickets.

The game against Highlands Park will be played a day after South Africa’s most popular club celebrates half a century in existence.

As a special gift to the loyal supporters who have travelled the long journey with the club, which was founded on January 7, 1970, it will give supporters a maximum two tickets per person to attend the game with friends and family members.

Tickets for the match are available for free collection at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets.

All that is required is an ID or driver’s licence to receive this reward.

“The fixture against Highlands Park is a historical and significant match and our plan for the club’s 50th anniversary celebration is to reminisce with our older fans and educate our younger fans about the history of this institution, how we came to be where we are today. We encourage them to take advantage of the Christmas gift the club is offering and get their tickets,” said Jessica Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs marketing director.

Highlands Park will be the fitting opposition on the day. Back in 1978, South Africa saw the formation of its first multiracial football league.

The previous year, Highlands Park were the last team to win the all-white league and were a force to be reckoned with in local football. Similarly, Chiefs were the last team to win the all-black league.

The rivalry began 41 years ago on April 1, 1978, when the two teams met on equal terms for the first time. Chiefs, under the captaincy of Ryder Mofokeng, won the game 3-1, with former Chiefs player Jerry Sadike scoring the first goal for Highlands Park, who had Martin Cohen, Gordon Igesund, and Hennie and Jimmy Joubert in their team.

Amakhosi came back strongly in the second half with goals from Teenage Dladla, Computer Lamola and Malombo Lechaba. The Chiefs team was packed with legends such as Bull Lehoko, Sugar Muguyo, Banks Setlhodi and City Kole. Jimmy Joubert would later join Amakhosi.

In 1979, Chiefs beat Highlands Park 2-0 in the Mainstay Cup final to win the first trophy in the multiracial league.

There will be some exciting pre-match and half-time activities for all in attendance. There will be performances by some of South Africa’s finest local artists.

The game will also see a multitude of former Chiefs players gathered to celebrate this milestone in the history of the club.

“It is important that no one is left out in our celebrations in our 50th year and we urge supporters to get to Computicket as early as possible to avoid disappointment,” said Motaung,

“We will roll out our more mind-blowing plans as we progress.”

Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Parking will also be free for all supporters.

The club will work with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) and law enforcement agencies to ensure supporters are safe by providing adequate security.

The game between Kaizer Chiefs and Highlands Park will take place at FNB Stadium on January 8, 2020. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

Free tickets are available from Computicket outlets.