Was Fikile Mbalula once a Kaizer Chiefs player?

An image of Fikile Mbalula decked out in Kaizer Chiefs gear has been causing a stir online, sparking rumors that the ANC Secretary-General might have had a stint with the Glamour Boys. The picture, which went viral, features a player resembling Mbalula sporting the iconic Kaizer Chiefs kit. However, the truth behind the image reveals a different story.

Mbalula took to Twitter to address the speculation, retweeting the viral post and adding his own commentary. He teased, “Ama2000s don’t know that Fikile Mbalula played for the Glamour Boys.” His tweet sparked curiosity, with many wondering if the politician had a secret soccer past.

Abayazi ,hulle weet nie wat ons weet😁😁😁🙌🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/Y3IJrZ5amE

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) April 29, 2024

But alas, the player in the image was not Mbalula. Instead, it was the late Fortune Koloba, a former Kaizer Chiefs striker from the nineties. Sadly, Koloba met a tragic end in 2011, losing his life in a car accident. His untimely demise added to the somber mood of the Chiefs, as they mourned the loss of co-founder Thomas Johnson to prostate cancer just a week prior.

While Mbalula never pursued soccer professionally, his passion for the sport is undeniable. Despite being a prominent figure in politics, he has openly declared his allegiance to the Orlando Pirates. In a tweet, he emphasized his loyalty, stating, “I don’t respect people who change allegiances when their teams are facing challenges. I’ve been a Pirates supporter through thick and thin. Please stay with your club.”

I dont respect people who change allegiances when their teams are facing challenges,I’ve being a pirates supporter through thick and thin please stay with your club please.

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) January 16, 2021

Mbalula’s involvement in sports extends beyond mere fandom. As sports minister in 2014, he didn’t shy away from criticizing the national team, Bafana Bafana, labeling them as “a bunch of losers” following their disappointing performance in the African Nations Championship. Expressing his frustration, he emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “What I saw was not a problem of coaching; it was a bunch of losers.”

Sundowns must get this guy. pic.twitter.com/A2SRItiUd0

— Amarachukwu Okafor⚖ (@maokafor) October 22, 2022

Read: Gavin Hunt Blames CAF For Their Defeat Against Kaizer Chiefs

His candid remarks didn’t end there. Mbalula admitted to refusing to greet the team after their defeat to Nigeria, expressing his disappointment with their lackluster performance. Despite his harsh words, Mbalula’s passion for sports, particularly soccer, remains unwavering.