Kaizer Chiefs defender Philani Zulu watched as the custom-built Kentucky Rounder arrived at Naturena for the iconic reveal of a car built to represent everything Amakhosi as part of Vodacom's Sisonke Siya Winna campaign. And he knew immediately that he would never be able to look at another Kentucky Rounder ever again.
"It feels like every other Kentucky Rounder ever produced should've looked exactly like this one," he said as he joined other leading players and club officials for the exclusive reveal of the finished product.
It was the end of a journey that began several months ago with Vodacom's brief to the LA Customs workshop in Paarl to search the countryside for the perfect Toyota Twincam GLi Sprinter that could be completely rebuilt in the iconic colours and style of Kaizer Chiefs and which would eventually be won by one of their lucky fans.
After breaking down the vehicle to just its bar shell, the LA Customs team – with a strict brief from Vodacom – began the process of rebuilding every aspect of this car with the spirit of the Amakhosi in it. From the black and gold colour on the outside, to the leather seats with the Kaizer Chiefs logo hand-stitched into it, to a sound system that incorporates the latest technology, and even right down to the mags, this was a Kentucky Rounder that now stood like a monument to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.
"It is absolutely amazing," said Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung. "It is so representative of Amakhosi. Anybody who wins this car is really going to enjoy it because it's just so beautiful. It's been great working with Vodacom to do something that gives back to our supporters in this way."
Zulu couldn't contain his own excitement.
"It's made me wish I had one for myself. You know, back in the day, this was the best car of its time. And even now, seeing it rebuilt like this, it looks like something totally unique. You can immediately see that this is something special compared to anything else on the road at the moment. I mean, you even have the Amakhosi logo on the seats. It's beautiful."
And even from one icon to another, there was a nod of approval as Arthur Zwane went around the car.
"Whoever wins this car is going to be very very lucky. I wish I could've entered," he said.
"It's a very beautiful car. I mean, everything about it is just so nice. From the colour of the car representing the team in black and gold, to the mags. The engine has been modified and looks good and powerful. The interior is top notch. To bring a golden oldie back like this makes me wish I was born in this era too."
For the team at Naturena, they were looking at a vehicle that embodied the style of Kaizer Chiefs. This was clearly a car that brought culture and class together as it called back the past, but simultaneously stood ready with engine running for the open road to the future.
And there was no mistaking the smile on the face of Abey Mokgwatsane, Vodacom Managing Executive for Brand Marketing and Communications, as he saw their response.
"This campaign is all about the fans and unlocking the passion they have for this sport and their team," he said.
"The Kentucky Rounder is one of the most iconic vehicles in Soweto culture. Similarly, Kaizer Chiefs is totally unique to the culture of Soweto. What we have here are two iconic brands meeting in the perfect reward for any Amakhosi fan. It's been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to work with Kaizer Chiefs and bring the team and its fans together in such a unique and memorable way."
To stand a chance to win this incredible vehicle, Kaizer Chiefs fans simply need to follow @VodacomSoccer on Twitter to get more details or click https://bit.ly/3t1Ooiz to enter. Amakhosi will also get to double their entries when they connect and recharge with KC Mobile.