Johannesburg – SA Football Association (Safa) president Kirsten Nematandani on Thursday congratulated Kaizer Chiefs on winning the Absa Premiership title.
A 1-1 draw with Supersport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday was enough to hand the title to the AmaKhosi, ending an eight-year league wait for the club.
Nematandani said Chiefs should be commended for the manner in which they went about their business in winning the league title.
“On behalf of the South African Football Association, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kaizer Chiefs players, technical staff, as well as their chairman Kaizer Motaung,” Nematandani said.
“You really worked hard for your victory, while also keeping South African football fans entertained with your brand of football.
“Our national teams, especially Bafana Bafana, will benefit immensely from some of the talent you discovered this season.”
Chiefs won the league after 29 matches, having lost just twice – to Platinum Stars and Ajax Cape Town.
They proved effective in the goal scoring department as they netted 48 times.
The likes of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Erick Mathoho, Siboniso Gaxa, and Siphiwe Tshabalala have also been key members of Bafana.
“We must also congratulate the other 15 teams who made this league as exciting and tough as it was,” he said.
“The supporters have also been amazing too and we want to commend them for this.”
The league programme ends on Saturday and the focus will turn to the Nedbank Cup final, set for May 25.
“Finally we would like to wish Nedbank Cup finalists Kaizer Chiefs and Supersport United well in the final. May the best team win.” – Sapa