The Minister’s defence of Kaizer Chiefs has prompted mixed reactions from supporters across South Africa’s football landscape.
What began as a light-hearted social media exchange involving Chicago Fire on South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s achievement, developed into a heated debate involving supporters, rival fans and even a government minister.
ORLANDO PIRATES AND KAIZER CHIEFS FANS QUESTION MINISTER’S INTERVENTION
The Major League Soccer club appeared to side with Orlando Pirates supporters when it posted “paint went to Lamthuthu FC” while celebrating Mbokazi’s inclusion in the MLS All-Star First XI.
The phrase, commonly used by Bucs fans to mock Kaizer Chiefs, quickly spread across South African football circles.
The post prompted a response from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who came to the defence of Kaizer Chiefs supporters.
“Chicago Fire is about to see the other side of SA football supporters, they messed with wrong crowd,” McKenzie posted on X.
His comments immediately drew criticism from some supporters who felt he was speaking as a fan rather than as a minister responsible for all South African sport.
One user, @sandla, replied: “Brother, you are the minister.”
Another, @10Capable, questioned whether a public official should be taking sides in club football rivalries.
“Idiot!! you are a sports minister not a Kaizer Chiefs minister!! Whatever you say in your capacity as a sports minister should not be in favour of any team over another,” the user wrote.
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While Kaizer Chiefs supporters welcomed McKenzie’s defence of the club, many Orlando Pirates fans rushed to support Chicago Fire.
“We will defend Chicago Fire. They did not mess with SA football fans. Anyone who accepts the Lamthuthu name is currently pained. Did they lie?” wrote @donno5_.
Another supporter, @Ayanda69300031, argued that the minister should not speak on behalf of all local football supporters.
“Relax we love Chicago Fire, they love us, we are here to defend them. Don’t include SA, just be specific the side of Lamthuthu,” the user posted.
Meanwhile, @Freexul reminded the American club of Kaizer Chiefs’ enormous following, claiming that the majority of South Africans following Chicago Fire’s social media pages are Amakhosi supporters.
Others felt the MLS side should have stayed away from local football rivalries altogether. User @AlexanderDeGr82 argued that South Africans generally unite behind local players abroad regardless of which club they represented domestically.
The exchange has highlighted both the global reach of South African football culture and the intensity of the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, with even an overseas club finding itself caught in the crossfire.
