Kaizer Chiefs’ Motaung in Hot Water Over R4.3 Million Debt

Kaizer Chiefs’ long-serving football manager Bobby Motaung finds himself embroiled in fresh legal woes. Court documents have been filed seeking the sequestration of his estate. This follows a longstanding financial dispute involving millions of rands tied to a property transaction dating back over a decade.

Property Deal Comes Back to Haunt Kaizer Chiefs Boss

According to a report by Sunday World, Pent Up Investment CC has approached the Johannesburg High Court in a bid to recover outstanding funds allegedly owed by Motaung. The company’s head, Costas Couremetis, alleges that Motaung still owes more than R4.3 million stemming from a 2009 court ruling.

In court papers, Couremetis outlines that the initial judgement required Motaung—through his company Lakeshore Trading, where he is the sole director—to pay over R9 million. This amount was related to the purchase of a property that reportedly was never fully paid for. Despite several years passing, a significant portion of the debt remains unsettled.

“No Dispute, But No Payment”

The affidavit states that while Motaung has never challenged the debt or attempted to reverse the court’s decision, he has failed to pay the full amount. Even after being granted numerous extensions and allowances, the debt remains.

Couremetis’s submission paints a picture of contradiction. Motaung is described as maintaining a lavish lifestyle, including owning a Bentley, residing in a high-end Houghton property, and flaunting designer clothing and expensive watches. Yet he has allegedly not met his financial obligations in this matter.

The legal team representing Pent Up Investment contends that such a lifestyle contradicts Motaung’s failure to settle a judgment. The total debt, including interest and legal fees, was calculated at over R4.3 million by the end of January 2024.

Past Legal Woes Surface Again

This is not the first time Motaung’s name has surfaced in legal controversies. In 2016, he was linked to a protracted fraud and corruption investigation concerning the construction of the Mbombela Stadium. That case, which had dragged on for five years, was eventually dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Further financial troubles followed in the same year. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reportedly handed Motaung a staggering R44.7 million tax bill. Then, in 2021, SARS again took steps to recoup funds. This time they aimed to recover R90 million from a company where Motaung held a directorial position.

High Stakes and Public Scrutiny

The latest legal action only intensifies the spotlight on the Kaizer Chiefs official, who occupies one of the most high-profile roles in local football. With the club itself enduring a turbulent season, this new court battle could pose reputational risks. These risks are not just for Motaung, but for the Chiefs brand as a whole.

Observers and fans alike are now watching closely to see how this matter unfolds. This is particularly true given Motaung’s influence at the club and the apparent disconnect between his personal lifestyle and his legal and financial obligations.

As the court proceedings begin to unfold, many in the country’s football community are left questioning how a figure of such prominence finds himself in such persistent legal and financial trouble.

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