Chiefs legend Mathoho in the Carling Black Label Cup. Source: Goal.

A tribute to Kaizer Chiefs legend Erick Tower Mathoho

Kaizer Chiefs are saying goodbye to one of their most adored club legends. Here’s why Eric Mathoho deserves his flowers.

by James Freemantle

23-06-2023 14:05

in Premier Soccer League

Chiefs legend Mathoho in the Carling Black Label Cup. Source: Goal.

Adored by fans and teammates alike, Eric Mathoho leaves a massive void at Kaizer Chiefs and Naturena.

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KAIZER CHIEFS GOLDEN YEARS

Born all the way back in 1990 in the Limpopo suburb of Tshiombo, Eric Mathoho was a key pillar in Amakhosi’s glorious DStv Premiership and MTN8 double in 2014/15, making 25 PSL appearances in that campaign. Overall, the big man notched 26 goals in 259 appearances in the famous black and gold jersey. That’s quite a tally for a central defender, with those strikes coming once every 10 games on average. Sergio Ramos would be proud. Mathoho also earned 34 Bafana Bafana caps.

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Eric Mathoho Kaizer Chiefs — The towering presence of Eric Mathoho. Image: Goal

A LITERAL AND FIGURATIVE GIANT

Standing 1.90m tall, Erick Mathoho’s physical stature has been hard to ignore down the years. ‘Tower’ endeared himself to Amakhosi supporters with his imposing style in the centre of defence, but there’s also an underrated elegance to his game when he carries the ball forward to launch passing sequences for his team. Any regular follower of the PSL knows that.

Nothing lasts forever in football, legends come and go at massive clubs, but Mathoho’s presence will be sorely missed. Chiefs have already secured new central defensive signings to compensate for this considerable loss, but there is only one Erick Mathoho.

After almost 11 years at the club, this bona fide Kaizer Chiefs legend will never be forgotten.

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