South African football has been rocked by explosive remarks from former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea, who has launched a scathing attack on the leadership structure at Kaizer Chiefs. In a bold and controversial statement, Lekoelea warned that the club could face serious decline if urgent changes are not made at executive level.
Lekoelea specifically singled out Bobby Motaung, accusing him of mismanaging club resources and prioritising personal interests over the team’s success. According to the former midfielder, the situation has reached a critical point, urging club chairman Kaizer Motaung Snr to intervene before irreversible damage is done.
“If Kaizer Motaung Snr doesn’t scold Bobby, Chiefs is going to fall hard,” Lekoelea said. “You cannot have a situation where the team is struggling to compete, yet leadership appears disconnected from the realities on the ground.”
The former Buccaneers star further claimed that financial mismanagement could be impacting the club’s ability to compete effectively in the transfer market. He questioned how a club of Chiefs’ stature could struggle to secure key signings while allegations of extravagant lifestyles among leadership persist.
“How is the team broke, but one man is living large?” he asked. “Now you hear about financial strain and even talks of selling shares to cover debts — that’s not how a big club should operate.”
Lekoelea also warned that the club’s reputation, once regarded as one of the most respected in African football, is now under threat. He suggested that increasing media scrutiny could expose deeper structural issues within the organisation, further damaging the brand.
“This is just the beginning. The press is already digging, and the club is being dragged into the mud,” he added. “That’s what happens when you run a professional football institution like a family business.”
The criticism comes at a time when Kaizer Chiefs are under pressure to return to their former glory, with fans growing increasingly frustrated over inconsistent performances and a prolonged trophy drought.
Lekoelea concluded by calling for structural reform, emphasizing the need for experienced professionals in key decision-making roles. “Football has evolved. Clubs need proper governance, transparency, and accountability. If nothing changes, the consequences could be severe.”