Always been a Chiefs fan, even when the chips are down

MIDDELBURG – A group of Kaizer Chiefs fanatics from Rockdale in Middelburg have asserted that they have always been passionate and loyal supporters of the club, even when the situation did not favour them.

Although the Soweto giants hold the most trophies among all football clubs in South Africa, their performance in recent years has left much to be desired, as they have endured a 10-year dry spell with no recognised silverware.

Ardent supporter, Vusi Skhosana, told Highveld Sports that his crew has always been happy to watch the team play at the stadium, despite a string of disappointing results. He said that being a Chiefs fan is more than just celebrating victories.

“Being a Chiefs fan takes more than just being ecstatic at every win,” he said. “It’s about being part of a community that is passionate, loyal, and dedicated. It means standing together through thick and thin, celebrating our victories, and supporting each other during tough times,” he added. “We don’t only support when we win — we remain supporters even when the team loses.”

Skhosana, who is also the interim chairperson of the Kaizer Chiefs Rockdale Supporters Club, said they are currently in the process of establishing a formal branch and have appealed to other supporters in the area to join by filling in membership forms and paying their fees.

“We’re calling on all loyal Amakhosi fans around Rockdale to join us. Let’s organise ourselves and build a proper branch that will represent this community with pride,” said Skhosana.

Kaizer Chiefs recently raced into the finals of South Africa’s premier knockout football competition, the Nedbank Cup, following a thrilling 2–1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday evening, April 13.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys came from behind to score an equaliser and eventually the winning goal, after Sundowns drew first blood just before the half-time break. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 45th minute, putting the Brazilians ahead.

Chiefs levelled matters at 1–1 when Wandile Duba found the net in the 57th minute. Then, in the dying moments of the game, Ashley Du Preez powered home a beauty in the 88th minute to seal the game for Amakhosi.

The team will now face long-time rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on May 10.

“Obviously, we are anticipating a win,” Skhosana said. “I mean, we would be even happier if the team wins the cup. But that does not mean we’ll be any less supportive if it doesn’t.”

He added that their love for the team does not depend on results. “Win or not, we will keep supporting the club. We love Amakhosi, and that love doesn’t come with conditions.”

Skhosana and his fellow fans have encouraged other Kaizer Chiefs supporters across the country to remain hopeful and stay behind the team, no matter what.

“Let’s remain loyal, passionate, and patient with the Phefeni Glamour Boys,” he said. “Our time is coming, and when it does, it will be worth all the years we stood by them.”