‘Bobby was always with us’ – Ex-Chiefs star reveals Motaung’s role in trophy success

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thomas Sweswe has praised football manager Bobby Motaung for his role in the club’s success during the early 2010s.

Amakhosi enjoyed a successful period between 2010 and 2015, winning six trophies, including two league titles.

During that era, Chiefs were coached by Vladimir Vermezovic and Stuart Baxter, with the latter guiding the club to four trophies before his abrupt departure from Naturena in 2015.

Chiefs have struggled to replicate that success in recent years, winning just one trophy in the last 11 years.

Sweswe praises Chiefs boss Bobby Motaung

Speaking to soccer analyst Lindo Pep, Sweswe admitted he could not explain the club’s recent struggles but reflected on the mentality within the dressing room during his time at Chiefs.

“I don’t know what’s happening there so I can’t comment,” he said.

Sweswe recalled how disappointed the players would be whenever they dropped points, even when they managed to salvage a draw.

“Whenever we lose or drew, there was silence in the dressing room. Bobby will come into the dressing room with his jokes trying to motivate everyone but the boys will remain silent. You’ll see Nengomasha there angry, Jimmy Tau sitting there angry, no one spoke to each other.”

“Even when we salvaged a draw, we would be angry because there are bonuses with wins. We used to get bonuses for league wins, but anything else, we got nothing, zero, so why must I be happy?”

Bobby was heavily involved with Chiefs in the 2000s

According to Sweswe, Motaung played an important role in maintaining the connection between management and the players.

“From the management we had Bobby,” the ex-Chiefs defender added.

“He was always with us everywhere. He was always part of the team wherever we go, he was always with us in the bus. Whatever we were doing, he was doing it with us as players,” the former Zimbabwean international said.

Sweswe also highlighted the influence of the senior players, particularly those who regularly represented their respective national teams.

“Senior guys were also helpful as they played for their national teams.”

The former defender’s comments offer an insight into the culture inside the Chiefs dressing room during one of the club’s most successful periods, while highlighting the contrast with the difficulties Amakhosi have experienced in recent years.

Some fans have blamed the Motaung family for Chiefs’ collapse while some felt giving Bobby less control has affected the club in recent years.