The Kaizer Chiefs community was left in shock and mourning last week when their promising defender, Luke Fleurs, tragically lost his life in a hijacking incident in Johannesburg.
The 24-year-old player, who was set to make his long-awaited debut against Chippa United, was hijacked and fatally shot at a petrol station in Honeydew on Wednesday.
Luke Fleurs had shown immense potential throughout his career, having previously played for SuperSport United and represented South Africa at the junior international level.
His untimely death has left a void not only in the hearts of his teammates and the Kaizer Chiefs family but also in the football community as a whole.
Speaking at Fleurs’ memorial service held at the FNB Stadium, Kaizer Motaung Jnr, the sporting director of the Kaizer Chiefs, expressed his sorrow and shared the plans that had been in place for Fleurs’ debut.
He revealed that Fleurs was going to be a part of the starting lineup against Chippa United.
“It is a crazy and sad situation that he didn’t get the chance to play. We will not only dedicate every game to Luke but also to our supporters and everyone who stands behind the team. He was going to give his best on the field, but unfortunately, he couldn’t wear the jersey and showcase his talent for the club,” Motaung said.
Motaung further disclosed the team’s lineup plans, stating that Sifiso Hlanti was unable to travel with the team, and as a result, Edmilson Dove was going to play as the left-back with Fleurs taking his place at centre-back.
The decision to include Fleurs in the lineup was a testament to his abilities and the trust the team had in him.
Motaung also highlighted the players’ decision to proceed with the match against Chippa United shortly after Fleurs’ tragic death.
He emphasized that the choice was made by the players themselves and that there was no right or wrong decision in such a difficult time.
“We gave them the freedom to express how they felt, and they believed that Luke would have wanted them to be on the pitch. Although the result was not what we desired, it was commendable for the players to play under such circumstances,” Motaung explained.
In honour of Luke Fleurs’ memory and his passion for the club, the Kaizer Chiefs have decided to retire the number 26 jersey. Motaung stated that it was an obvious choice for the club and an opportunity to address the larger issue of crime in the country.
“That jersey will be hung up in the changing room, and his chair will always remain empty. Moving forward, we will have many other ways to honour Luke and ensure that his legacy lives on,” Motaung revealed.
The loss of Luke Fleurs has deeply affected the Kaizer Chiefs, and Motaung acknowledged the magnitude of the situation. He compared it to the Ellis Park disaster, where 43 fans lost their lives, but highlighted that such a tragedy had never occurred within the team’s changing room.
Motaung also reflected on Fleurs’ love for the team and his genuine happiness at being a part of the Kaizer Chiefs family. He emphasized that Fleurs’ motivation stemmed from his passion for the club, rather than financial gain.
“We want players who play for the badge, and Luke embodied that spirit. His combination of talent, intention, and love for the team was rare to find,” Motaung expressed.
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The Kaizer Chiefs are currently going through a challenging period, and Motaung acknowledged the concerns surrounding the team’s performance. As a football club, their primary objective is to win matches, bring joy to the fans, and achieve success.
“Nobody is happy with the current situation, and we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate the club. We are fully aware of what is happening, and we know the direction we need to take to bring the club back to where it belongs,” Motaung reassured.
