The TWO other retired jersey numbers at Kaizer Chiefs

The TWO other retired jersey numbers at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs recently announced that they will retire the number 26 jersey in memory of the late Luke Fleurs.

This was confirmed by Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr at Fleurs’ memorial service on Thursday.

Fleurs tragically lost his life on last week Wednesday, before he could even make his Chiefs debut.  The former SA U23 defender joined Chiefs on a free transfer after being released by SuperSport United. Fleurs’ departure from SuperSport came in rather mysterious circumstances, having just signed a long-term extension. That extension was supposed to fend off interest from Chiefs, which had been eyeing him on a free already. However, in a strange twist, the player ended up being released. Although it seems as if he was always destined to be a Glamour Boy, he was yet to break through.

During the Afcon break, Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson hinted that Fleurs was edging closer to his debut. He was not involved in match day squads in games Royal AM and the embarrassing Nedbank Cup exit to Milford. He then made his first bench appearance for the club in the victory over Golden Arrows. Unfortunately, he did not come off the subs bench to make a debut.

Chiefs retire Fleurs jersey number

Fleurs was tragically killed in a hijacking gone wrong. It is believed that he was shot in the process. The centre-back had only one dream, which was to represent Chiefs one day. His murder, unfortunately robbed him of the opportunity of fulfilling that. That has not stopped the club from honouring him, however, with his jersey number 26 never to be worn again.

Freese and Khumalo jersey numbers also retired

What makes this even more unique is the fact that Chiefs have only ever had two jersey’s retired previous to Fleurs. These are the number 20 and number 15 jersey number’s respectfully.

The number 20 was worn by long-serving legendary defender Howard ‘The Rock’ Freese. The former captain joined Chiefs in 1985 and won 20 trophies with them, including 13 league titles.

The very first jersey to ever be retired by Chiefs, is the number 15 worn by legendary midfielder Doctor Khumalo. He was part of the Kaizer Chiefs teams that won three South African league championship titles and five knockout trophies. He was voted South African Footballer of the Year in 1992. During his career at the club, he played in a total of 397 league and cup games, scoring 75 goals.