Moloisane targets league title and continental success to revive Kaizer Chiefs

Thabo Moloisane says his boyhood connection with Kaizer Chiefs has strengthened his determination to help the club end their 12-year wait for a league title and win their first continental crown.

The defender joined Chiefs as a free agent from Stellenbosch at the end of last season, completing a childhood ambition after being born and raised in Soweto, close to the club’s headquarters in Naturena.

Moloisane spent part of his youth around the club before pursuing opportunities elsewhere. His career has included spells with the Mamelodi Sundowns academy, All Stars, Maritzburg United and Stellenbosch.

That background has helped him settle quickly since joining Chiefs. He has played in five of their seven matches during an unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season.

“When you are looking from the outside, you realise how much of the club this is,” Moloisane said.

“What made me develop the love for the club is that the only thing I knew was Kaizer Chiefs.

“It was an important step for me to come to a club that I knew is where I grew up. I know what it will take for me to say, ‘I grew up down the road’. It’s just as important to love the club firstly because when you do, you’ll give your best on the pitch.”

His ambitions extend beyond maintaining Chiefs’ unbeaten league run. Moloisane wants to contribute to a return to domestic success while helping the club qualify for and win continental silverware.

“The star, madoda, siyadingaka la ekhaya (I am eager to win the star. We need it here at home),” he said.

“We have an opportunity to see if we can qualify for it this season. Of course, we also want to win the league. It’s one thing that has eluded us for some time.

“Fortunately, this is a club that I know. I grew up down the road from here. There’s a deep love that I have for Kaizer Chiefs. Growing up, it was all that I knew. I remember as a small boy, I came to fetch tickets here.

“So, for me, it’s about coming to write my own history and return the glory. It’s for my name to be counted among the players that brought back happiness to the supporters.”

Chiefs are unbeaten but remain behind rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, who lead the league and contested the MTN8 final, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning the first silverware of the season.

Moloisane believes Chiefs have made significant progress under their current system.

“A 100%,” he said when asked whether the team had improved.

“Even for me, having looked from the outside last season, to the current season, I can say that the team is playing much better. We are playing very well, especially with the strategy and system that the coach has put into the team.

“It’s unfortunate that there are some of the games that we drew but I can tell you now for sure that the system is working.”

He will face former club Stellenbosch in a league match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm, with Chiefs needing to preserve their strong start.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the club (Stellies) for the role that they played in my career. They helped me get to where I am. I am also grateful for Kaizer Chiefs for giving me an opportunity to represent such a big club,” Moloisane said.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday), it’s going to be emotional. But, personally, it’s going to be fun. I enjoy these types of games.”