A true legend in the making! William Masilela, a name that echoes through the halls of Kaizer Chiefs history. This isn't just a fan, but a living, breathing part of the club's journey. Picture this: back in the early '80s, when the Glamour Boys were still finding their feet, Masilela stepped up, quite literally, to drive the team to glory. But here's where it gets controversial... it wasn't just about the ride, it was about the bond.
William Masilela, a dedicated supporter from KwaThema, Ekurhuleni, became the unsung hero of the club. Every day, he'd load up his trusty yellow Jetta VW sedan with the legendary 'Springs boys' - Teenage Dladla, Yster Sikwane, Zebulon 'Sputla' Nhlapho, Cane Mahlangu, and Panjo Nkosi - and transport them to training. For this, he was paid a modest R40, a sum that later increased to R600. But it wasn't just about the money; it was about the brotherhood that formed between Masilela and these soccer stars.
"We were good friends," Masilela reminisces. "We'd advise them, and they'd listen. Even players from Soweto would visit KwaThema, chatting with fans and seeking advice. It was a different era, a time when players and fans were united."
And this is the part most people miss... Masilela witnessed it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. He saw the club struggle before big sponsorships, recalling the times when players had to sleep on floors with 'donkey blankets' in Soweto. But then came the Iwisa Sponsorship, a turning point that brought brighter days and bigger salaries.
Despite recent struggles that saddened supporters, Masilela's loyalty remains unwavering. "When Chiefs weren't doing well, people would ask me what went wrong, and I'd honestly say I didn't know," he shares.
His favorite player? The late, great Ace Ntsoelengoe, a goal-scoring machine who passed away in 2006 in Lenasia. Masilela, a true die-hard, has lifted many trophies with the club during its peak and continues to wish Chiefs nothing but the best.
"Once a Khosi, always a Khosi," he declares.
Today, Masilela is a businessman in KwaThema, but his heart still beats for Kaizer Chiefs. A true superfan, his story is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest contributions come from the most unexpected places.
What do you think? Is Masilela's role in Kaizer Chiefs' history underappreciated? Share your thoughts in the comments!
