Kaizer Motaung Jnr has explained why Kaizer Chiefs decided to honor the fixture against Chippa United and not use the option to ask for a postponement from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Amakhosi lost the DStv Premiership clash 2-0 in front of a fully packed revamped Buffalo City Stadium in East London, Eastern Cape at the weekend.
Following the passing of defender Luke Fleurs, who was gunned down in a botched hijacking, Chiefs had an option to write to the PSL and request for the fixture be moved to another day.
However, the club surprisingly went on to play the game. A decision that Kaizer Jnr says came from the players.
Decision came from players, in honour of Luke Fleurs
“That decision [to play the match] came from the players themselves,” Motaung Jnr told Sunday World. He responded to our question after Luke Fleurs’ memorial service at the FNB Stadium on Thursday.
“There is no right or wrong at this point in time. We let them have the freedom to tell us how they feel. And they said Luke would have wanted them on the pitch.
“The result was not what we wanted to take home but it was commendable from the players to play.”
Working hard to return to glory days
The Amakhosi sporting director also admitted that the club is not where it is supposed to be. He said that they are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the Soweto giants return to their glory days.
“There is massive concern because we are a football club. Our job is to win matches, put smiles on people’s faces and achieve success,” he said.
“Nobody is happy. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we can elevate the club.
“The club is aware of what is happening. We need to take this club back to where it belongs, and we know which direction to go.”
Fleurs to be laid to rest on April 20
Meanwhile, Chiefs and the Fleurs family have confirmed that the 24-year-old slain defender will be laid to rest in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town on April 20.
Six suspects linked to his murder will be appearing at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Friday after being arrested in Slovoville, Soweto, on Wednesday morning.
