One of Mzansi's giant soccer clubs Kaizer Chiefs has gone trophyless for eight consecutive seasons. This has left Amakhosi fans frustrated with the club and its management. But where is Bobby 'Bobsteak' Motaung in all of this? It seems like the voice of Kaizer Chiefs is gone and the new power dynamics amongst siblings have tamed the vivacious Bobby, who is said to be frustrated in his new role of playing the "behind the scenes" guy.
He seems to have gone into hibernation and he has taken a major back seat from the family business since his younger brother Kaizer Jr and their two sisters took over the family business. Jessica Motaung runs the marketing department while her younger sister Kemiso controls the Digital division of the business. Sources close to the club say the larger-than-life Bobby has not been seen active in the club and feels his role is redundant. "Bobby has a large personality. He can't be at the stadium and you miss his presence. He gets along with everyone, from fans to members of the media, it is almost as if someone told him not to participate or be active when he is at the stadium," says the source. Although the family has managed to put up a "united front", Bobby has been gracious about handling the situation to avoid bad publicity.
But according to ZiMoja sources close to the situation, Bobby feels sidelined by his siblings who are now running the show. One source says he feels like his family has clipped his wings because he is no longer doing what he is passionate about, which is being in the forefront and running things. According to another source, it was his role to conduct and address the media but Kaizer Jr took over and he is the boss. " Ask yourself when last you see Bobby on TV or active during any Kaizer Chiefs matches?" the source asks.
According to the source, Bobby was the face of the club and he enjoyed that role with every fibre of his body. "You can't talk about Bobby without Chiefs like you can't talk about Mandela without ANC," Another source says even at the Kaizer Chiefs village he is hardly seen, compared to the past. Another source at the club says Bobby did a better job interacting with the media because he can speak any vernac compared to his brother who only speaks English. Another source says it seems like putting him In the back was a strategic plan because his personal drama was reflecting negatively on the club. "Remember the club is one of the most formidable brands, so if the face of the club is making negative headlines, there are sponsorships and fans at stake, so they needed someone with a good image," adds the source.
Called for comment, Bobby said things are still the same on his side. He says Chiefs has changed structures and that he was still part and parcel of Amakhosi. "My job is still the same. I am still involved, obviously, my brother is the sporting director and he is more in the front in terms of being the face but I am part of the team," he said, citing that only one person can take the leadership role.
