Chiefs’ new era goes beyond football
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday August 11, 2026 10:05
The developments were announced during the club’s kit unveiling ceremony at Oasis Hotel in Tlokweng on Friday, as Magosi prepare for the new season. Chiefs' home kit marks a return to the club’s traditional black-and-white vertical stripes, while the predominantly white away strip provides a more understated alternative.
The third kit features blue-and-pink stripes, with a separate orange goalkeeper kit also unveiled. The kits are supplied by Joma Sports South Africa who are in a two-year partnership with Maaparankwe.
Speaking at the occasion, Joma Sports South Africa general manager, Philani Gcaba said the designs combine the club’s heritage with modern performance technology.
“Today we proudly launch the new kit, combining cutting-edge athletic technology, sustainable, durable and beautiful materials, and bold heritage to empower players and fans alike for the upcoming championship season,” he said.
Gcaba revealed that the lightweight, moisture-wicking material was designed to improve airflow, regulate body temperature and maximise players’ freedom of movement.
The unveiling also ushered in a leadership transition, with Stanton Fredericks moving into a strategic role on the Board of Directors as Director of Football.
For his new role, Fredericks will oversee youth development, player recruitment and technical support, while Nic Mathew has been appointed president of Mochudi Centre Chiefs Sporting Club to lead the club into its next chapter.
Chiefs' general manager, Owe Mmolawa, said the leadership changes were part of efforts to strengthen the club’s long-term football vision.
The club also used the occasion to launch the Maaparankwe Foundation, its social-impact arm aimed at coordinating community outreach and development initiatives.
Mmolawa explained the Foundation was established after Chiefs recognised that its responsibilities extended beyond football.
“We might be a football club, but we don't exist away from society. We are not pushing away from the challenges that happen in society,” he added.
Mmolawa said the initiative was intended to give back to the club’s supporters, football lovers and the wider community.
The Foundation will focus on four main areas: education, youth and sport development, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability.
Education initiatives will include scholarships, school support, career guidance, digital literacy and mentorship, while sport programmes will cover football clinics, coaching education, talent identification and life skills.
Health initiatives will include community health campaigns, mental-health awareness, blood-donation drives and wellness programmes.
Environmental projects will focus on clean-up campaigns, recycling and tree planting.
Mmolawa highlighted that the Foundation would utilise Chiefs players, coaches, legends and supporters to inspire young people and drive the initiatives.
He acknowledged that the club itself faces challenges, but said Chiefs wanted to share what they have with society.
“We do not have so much. But from the club that we have, we feel we can share with others,” he added.
Mmolawa also stressed that the club’s identity remained rooted in Mochudi and Bakgatla tradition despite its growth beyond the town.
“This is a club with a clear and unapologetic link with the tribal leadership, with the tradition of Bakgatla,” he said.
“Inasmuch as the club has grown beyond the peripheries of Mochudi, we still pride ourselves with the Mochudi identity.”
He said the new kit should similarly inspire pride amongst supporters.
“To our supporters, this kit belongs to you as much as it belongs to the players,” Mmolawa said.