Gayton McKenzie Backs Kaizer Chiefs After Being Trolled by a US Club on Social Media

• The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has shown support for Kaizer Chiefs on social media
• The Sports Minister backed the Glamour Boys after being trolled by Major League Soccer side, Chicago Fire
• The minister's decision to show support for the Soweto-based club sparked mixed reactions from football fans online

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has sparked a lot of discussion on social media after showing support for Kaizer Chiefs following an online jab from Major League Soccer side, Chicago Fire.

The minister's decision to defend the Glamour Boys also divided opinion, with football fans across South Africa weighing in on the controversy.

What started as a seemingly harmless social media post celebrating South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s achievement in the MLS soon escalated into a lively debate involving supporters, rival fan bases and a cabinet minister.

Gayton McKenzie defends Kaizer Chiefs

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The Major League Soccer side appeared to align itself with Orlando Pirates fans when it celebrated Mbokazi’s selection in the MLS All-Star First XI with the phrase: “Pain went to Lamontville FC.”

The remark, frequently used by the Sea Robbers supporters as a dig at Kaizer Chiefs, quickly gained traction among local football fans on social media, a move that didn't go down well with the Sports minister.

The post drew a reaction from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who publicly defended Amakhosi supporters.

“Chicago Fire is about to experience the other side of South African football supporters. They picked the wrong crowd,” McKenzie wrote on X.

His intervention was met with criticism from sections of the Mzansi football community, with some arguing that he was acting more like a supporter than a minister tasked with representing all South African sporting interests.

Fans react to McKenzie's actions

The comment from McKenzie sparked different reactions from South African football fans on social media, with the American club's actions also drawing loads of opinions.

Zolile Mthunjwa shared:

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"The best minister in the land ✌️✌️. Just because of defending my team. Minute, my brother."

Sayda Maziwa said:

"He does not know politics. His focusing on this ministry job. Instead of growing his party. He should be focusing on his party's mission. I wanted to vote for him. But now no, no I won't.😁"

Jan Patrick Mabunda wrote:

"Minister, he doesn't understand football; he is like Kaizer Chiefs fans."

Bonolo Mokoena commented:

"Eish, you like to be Ronaldo just everywhere. Gayton McKenzie bucks up, you defend Cyril Ramaphosa, you make us ashamed we are numbers and alphabet."

Thomas Soki Bokaba implied:

"Who is this Chicago city? They must not start something they will not end. The Chiefs are a government."

Mzamani Malu added:

"Kaizer Chiefs has the power to extinguish that Small fire from Chicago City FC."

More uncertainty over Broos’ future at Bafana

Briefly News also reported that Broos may still have to formally reapply if he wants to continue as Bafana Bafana coach beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that a recruitment process for a new coach is expected to begin soon, although the door has not been closed on Broos remaining in charge.

SAFA technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke reportedly said the Belgian mentor would have to “make the presentation” if he wants to continue.

Source: Briefly News