In this edition of Supporters Forum, KickOff speaks to Kaizer Chiefs loyal supporter Thulani Ngcobo about the journey he has travelled with the Glamour Boys through their ups and downs over the years.
Ngcobo pleads with the playing personnel to up their game next season as fans are tired of being a laughing stock of their rivals whose clubs have been exchanging positions on the podium while they have been relegated to watching their favourite team stumble from one mishap to the other since 2015.
Name of supporter?
"Thulani Ngcobo, also known as Ngcobo2010, is based in Pretoria. I work for the Rural Development Land Reform Department and also am a professional photographer.
"I also have a YouTube channel called Ngcobo2010 Sharp Eye, where I interview fans at the stadium post-match."
Club supported before?
"None."
For how long have you been supporting Chiefs?
"Since 1987, I was attracted by their style of play. Doctor Khumalo was the main influencer to me."
Are you happy with the bosses?
"Well, I am not happy with the Chiefs results from the past nine years, and I don't know if I should say I am happy with the bosses or not as players are also to blame."
Are you happy with the coach?
"So far, I am not sure if I am happy with him. I welcome him. However, I will judge him based on [what happens on] a minimum of 10 games."
Are you happy with the players?
"So far, so good. However, we need a strong leader in our midfield. A player like [Tinashe] Nengomasha, Thabo Mooki or [Willard] Katsande. We also need a player like Jabu Pule [now Mahlangu] and Scara Ngobese. We also need real strikers; at least two strong and bold strikers like [Collins] Mbesuma and [Knowledge] Musona."
Who do you want them to sign?
"[Oswin] Appollis from Polokwane City, [Gaston Sirino from [Mamelodi Sundowns [now a free agent], Asanele Velebayi from Cape Town Spurs, Iqraam Rayners from Stellenbosch FC and [Khanyisa] Mayo from Cape Town City."
Your message to the team?
"They must know that they are not only playing for themselves. They also must make their fans happy as the fans are supporting them through thick and thin.
"The fans travel all over the country just to support them. Yes, there is pressure to play for Chiefs, but as Chiefs supporters we are tired of being a laughing stock.
"They must at least give us one trophy this season, then we will be happy as we are wounded."