Thierry Henry Visits Kaizer Chiefs’ Naturena Village And Meets The Motaung Family

Thierry Henry At Naturena: Arsenal Legend’s Special Connection With The Motaung Family Revisited

A memorable moment in Kaizer Chiefs’ history has resurfaced following renewed attention on former Arsenal and France superstar Thierry Henry’s connection with the Amakhosi family.

The football legend previously visited the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, Johannesburg, where he exchanged pleasantries with the Motaung family and other club representatives. The visit brought one of world football’s most recognisable figures into the home of one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions.

Henry’s appearance at Naturena was part of a visit to South Africa in August 2017, when he joined NBA stars Jaylen Brown and Clint Capela on a tour of the Chiefs Village. The occasion created a special meeting between international sporting personalities and the leadership of the Soweto giants.

According to Kaizer Chiefs’ official website, the visitors were welcomed by the club’s Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung, alongside Kaizer Motaung Junior, former Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala and Daniel Cardoso.

One of the highlights of Henry’s visit was meeting Dr Kaizer Motaung, the founder and chairman of Kaizer Chiefs.

The French legend was reportedly honoured to meet the chairman and had an opportunity to speak with him about his football career, including his achievements at Arsenal and Barcelona, as well as France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph.

Henry also demonstrated his knowledge of South African football. He recalled making his international debut against Bafana Bafana and ending his international career against the same opponents.

He further mentioned former Chiefs player Sizwe Motaung and expressed excitement about meeting Tshabalala, whose famous goal against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup remained memorable to him.

As a gesture of appreciation, Dr Motaung presented the visitors with Kaizer Chiefs jerseys as lasting souvenirs of their experience at Naturena.

Henry’s connection with South African football has attracted fresh attention ahead of another major visit to the country.

Betway confirmed on 29 October 2026 that the former Arsenal striker would be in South Africa for the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October.

His latest visit forms part of the Premier Soccer League’s 30-year celebrations, running under the ’96-’26 commemorative campaign.

Henry is expected to experience the atmosphere of the famous rivalry alongside thousands of supporters. He will also meet the winner of Betway’s S’bonise & Win campaign and present the prize.

The former France international has expressed excitement about witnessing the passion surrounding the Soweto Derby and meeting South African football supporters.

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