7 January 2020
By Annette van Schalkwyk
This article originally appeared on southerncourier.co.za
Kaizer Chiefs are now looking ahead and will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Highlands Park.
Just coming off a loss against SuperSport United (1-2) over the weekend, which has taken them a few steps backwards in their quest for the Absa PSL title at the end of the season, the local team from Naturena will be back in full force to grab the three points on offer.
The all-important league match will be played on January 8 at FNB stadium with the kick-off at 7.30pm.
South African Stadium Management (SASM), Bertie Grobbelaar, said that although all spectators could get a free ticket to watch the match, it is important for them not to arrive at the stadium without their ticket.
“All spectators should have a ticket in order to enter for the game on Wednesday evening.”
Road closures will come into effect later in the afternoon as it is a normal working day. Rea Vaya will operate normal hours and the last departure will be at 9pm unless SASM can persuade the organisation to extend their hours.
According the hHead coach, Ernst Middendorp, the team is focused on Highlands Park and had learnt some expensive lessons against SuperSport United, not getting their win.
Kaizer Chiefs will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Tuesday, and will have the match celebrations on Wednesday.
Kaizer Motaung Junior said that the club has been the stronghold of soccer in the country and is one of the biggest clubs in Africa.
“We have been through good and bad times, but was always there for our fans and the players are always proud to play for the badge on their chest.”
Chiefs also unveiled their new jersey to celebrate the club’s half-century of existence and it will be worn on Wednesday.
Kaizer Chiefs marketing director, Jessica Motaung, said that since its formation in 1970, the club has consistently been South Africa’s most successful and best-supported club, and one of the biggest clubs not only on the African continent, but in world football.
“As we kick-start our 50th anniversary activities, we will do so reflecting on an African legacy that continues to go from strength to strength over the years. We stand on the shoulders of giants and it will be a year of celebration and appreciation of the role played by so many in the club’s success, and also a time of exciting evolution as the club embraces the future,” said Motaung.
The club will soon announce further details of its year-long 50th anniversary activities, including exhibition matches against some of the world’s biggest clubs, photo exhibitions, exciting events and historical accounts of the club’s memorable 50 years.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.