Former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner Salomon Kalou has visited Kaizer Chiefs‘ facilities at Naturena this week, where he was welcomed by his idol Doctor Khumalo and Kaizer Motaung Snr.
Kalou is one of the most decorated African players after winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and Champions League with Chelsea as well as the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
This past week, he was in Johannesburg as analyst for the UEFA Champions League and he found some time to visit Naturena, admitting he has always been impressed by the Glamour Boys.
“I am truly impressed by the facilities here and the welcome I have received,” he told the club’s media team.
“I have always admired Kaizer Chiefs because they wear the same colours as my former club, ASEC Mimosas.”
Kalou then admitted that him and his brother were looking up to Doctor ’16V’ Khumalo and his brother was even nicknamed after Chiefs legend.
“My brother used to be called Doctor Khumalo when we were young,” he added.
“He always wore the number 15, at youth level, at club level with Paris Saint Germain and Feyenoord, and for Cote D’Ivoire.
“Doctor was our idol and we drew a lot of inspiration from him. We also watched Kaizer Chiefs teams of that era and took some learning from their style of play.”
Khumalo himself felt honoured by the revelation: “It is humbling and an honour to hear that they achieved what they did taking inspiration from watching me and my Chiefs teammates.
“You never imagine that you can be the inspiration for players to achieve big things like Salomon and Bonaventure have.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs’ founder and chairman Dr. Motaung admitted that Kalou will always be welcome at Naturena.
“When I was playing in the United States I could have extended my career. In 1969, I left to return to help inspire the next generations of footballers,” he stated.
“To hear from you how Kaizer Chiefs inspired you and your brother is great motivation for me, as it was also my desire to help uplift and give hope to African footballers.
“Whenever you are in Johannesburg reach out to Doctor. Remember, this is home for you. You are always welcome at the Chiefs village and are part of the family.”
Image credit: Kaizer Chiefs
