Kaizer Chiefs welcome Eswatini’s future stars

JOHANNESBURG- Eswatini’s emerging football talent received a taste of life at one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions during a visit to Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena.

The visit was led by KFC Eswatini Chief Executive Officer England Nigel, accompanied by outstanding players from the 2026 KFC Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation programme.

Speaking at the Amakhosi headquarters, Nigel said KFC was honoured to be part of the grassroots football development initiative, which aims to identify and nurture young talent in Eswatini.

He revealed that the partnership with the Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation began three years ago, with a clear focus on developing football from grassroots level.

“We started the journey with Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation three years ago. The main aim is to find talent in Eswatini at the grassroots level,” he said.

According to Nigel, the initiative has already produced promising players, some of whom have progressed to professional football in South Africa.

“We have produced good players, and I am not sure if some came to Kaizer Chiefs, as I know that some went to TS Galaxy and are doing well,” he said.

He thanked Kaizer Chiefs chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung for welcoming the Eswatini delegation, saying the visit would give the young players an opportunity to experience the environment of a major football club.

The youngsters were also scheduled to watch the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, an opportunity Nigel said would allow them to see, dream and believe.

He further revealed that one of the foundation’s products was now representing Sitsebe, before thanking Thindwa for his role in the initiative.

In response, Motaung expressed appreciation to KFC for investing in young people and supporting grassroots football development.

“The future belongs to them,” Motaung said.

The visiting players also had an opportunity to interact with Amakhosi players and technical staff ahead of the eagerly anticipated Soweto Derby.

Addressing the youngsters, former Kaizer Chiefs striker Scara Thindwa encouraged them to remain committed to their football ambitions, while recalling the intensity surrounding derby preparations during his playing days.

“We had sleepless nights before a derby match,” Thindwa said.

Another Chiefs legend, Ace Khuse, echoed the sentiments, expressing confidence that the Soweto giants would emerge victorious against their arch-rivals.

The Eswatini delegation also presented Motaung with a belated birthday cake as a gesture of appreciation during the visit.

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