Teko Modise Send Ultimatum To Kaizer Chiefs Bosses.

South African football icon Teko “The General” Modise has sent a powerful and pointed message to the management of Kaizer Chiefs, urging the club to take bold steps if they are serious about returning to the summit of South African and African football.

In a candid discussion on SABC Sport, Modise expressed his growing concern over the continued decline of one of the country’s most decorated and historic clubs, calling on the club’s leadership to stop making excuses and start making meaningful changes.

“Kaizer Chiefs can’t keep living off history,” said Modise. “This club has the fan base, the infrastructure, and the brand power. But all of that means nothing without direction, ambition, and results. It’s time the bosses at the top wake up.”

Kaizer Chiefs, once the undisputed giants of South African football, have now gone 10 years without a major trophy — a drought that has deeply frustrated their passionate fanbase.

Once a feared name in African football, the Amakhosi have struggled to keep pace with rivals like Mamelodi Sundowns, who have built a football dynasty on the back of smart investment, stable leadership, and clear footballing identity.

This season, Chiefs have again found themselves outside the title race, struggling for consistency in the DSTV Premiership, exiting early in the Nedbank Cup, and failing to secure a top-three finish that guarantees continental football.

Teko Modise, who has played for both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, believes the issue lies deeper than just what happens on the pitch.

“You look at Sundowns — there’s structure. There’s a football philosophy. At Pirates, there’s a clear recruitment strategy. At Chiefs, it feels like everything is reactive. One bad season, sack the coach. Sign five players, no long-term plan. That’s not how you build success,” he added.

While players and coaches often bear the brunt of criticism, Modise was clear: the problems at Kaizer Chiefs start in the boardroom.

“People need to stop blaming players every time. Sometimes, it’s not about the man on the pitch — it’s about the men upstairs. Who’s making the football decisions? Are they football people? Do they understand what’s needed to win titles in today’s game?” Modise asked pointedly.

The indirect reference to Kaizer Motaung Sr., his son Kaizer Motaung Jr., and other members of the Chiefs’ executive team did not go unnoticed. Fans across social media echoed Modise’s thoughts, demanding transparency and clearer leadership from the club’s hierarchy.

Another major point raised by Teko Modise is the lack of a footballing identity at Chiefs.

“We don’t know what Chiefs stand for anymore on the pitch. Are they a possession team? A counter-attack team? Do they press high? Nobody knows. That’s dangerous. Great clubs know who they are. That’s how you recruit the right players and coaches,” Modise explained.

Chiefs have hired and fired multiple coaches in the last five seasons, including the likes of Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter, and Arthur Zwane, with each project falling short of expectations.

Modise’s message was not all criticism — he also provided solutions, calling for modern football strategies, investment in scouting and analytics, and the hiring of experienced technical directors.

“It’s 2025. You need data, youth development, a scouting network, player management. Kaizer Chiefs can afford this, but they’re still stuck in an old-school model. It won’t work anymore,” he said.

He also urged the club to create a football philosophy that starts at academy level and extends to the first team — something both Sundowns and even Cape Town City have been praised for.

The big question now is: Will Kaizer Chiefs’ management listen? With the 2024/25 season nearly concluded and another trophyless year looming, the pressure is on for the board to act fast. New signings, coaching decisions, and structural changes will be under intense scrutiny from both fans and legends like Teko Modise.

His message is clear: Kaizer Chiefs must stop relying on the past and start building for the future.