Motaung received an honorary doctorate in commerce during the graduation ceremony at Wits.

This was the second honorary doctorate for Motaung, after he was bestowed by the University of Cape Town with the Doctor of Social Science in July 2022 for his contribution to football and social development in the country.

Motaung says Chiefs bring excitement to the country.

"I'm no longer the 'shintsha guluva' that people used to know as a player but I think I've contributed also besides the issue of football on the field of play because a lot of people, I can safely say that Kaizer Chiefs determines the happy index of this country,” Motaung said.

“A couple of weeks ago we won the cup [Nedbank Cup] after 10 years or so, the country was in a very, very different mood. I've never seen the country like that, it was like there was a World Cup that was playing here and yet it was just a local competition, a local cup, the Nedbank Cup.

“I think that demonstrates the power that our supporters have. Everywhere we looked when we watched TV we saw universities, hostels, townships, everywhere, people were celebrating.

“So, this just tells you how much we touch the hearts of the people in this country. I'm very happy and proud to have made a contribution, to make a lot of people happy."

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Motaung was only 25 when he formed Chiefs in 1970 with some of his former teammates and officials from Orlando Pirates, when they broke away from the club.

Now 55 years later, and in charge of the biggest football club in the country, he looks back with pride at the achievements and being a member of the Witsie community.

"I think, I concur that this was a special day for me and obviously Kaizer Chiefs as well and for the university. This has been a very interesting journey that we undertook in 1970 to commit and do what we are doing to the communities now,” he added.

“I'm happy that I was able to accept this honour, it's a great honour bestowed upon me by the university and it's an honour which needs to be celebrated in my family. Though members of the family have gone through this university, my grandchildren and my children have also gone through this university. So, I'm very happy and proud to be part of this community."

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