Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has moved to clarify the division of responsibilities between himself and his younger brother, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr, amid questions about changes within the club’s leadership structure.

Motaung says he remains an important part of the club’s football operations, but acknowledges that his brother has taken on a more hands-on role in the technical department as Chiefs continue to modernise their structures.

Speaking on Marawa Sportsworldwide, Motaung explained that while their positions have similarities, their day-to-day responsibilities are different.

“Kaizer is the Sporting Director – a similar role with mine, but it’s more in-depth because he is closer to the coaches,” Motaung said.

“I’m more at a high level in terms of overseeing and giving the experience. He’s coming with modern ideology, modern things that I can’t do.

“Technology is now big in the game of football, and Kaizer is more on the technical aspects of things than myself and he is working closer with the scouts. I’m more of an admin, high-level advisory. He’s more on the technical aspect of the operation.”

The Chiefs football manager was also keen to dismiss suggestions that the change in responsibilities had created friction between the brothers.

“We don’t clash. We collaborate, we work together. Everything that we do, decision-making, we are together in terms of giving review and constructive criticism,” he explained.

“He makes certain decisions which we either support or disagree with. But those are internal operational things that we deal with. But mostly we collaborate, we work together.”

Motaung’s comments provide insight into the evolving leadership structure at Naturena, where Kaizer Motaung Jr has become increasingly involved in the technical side of the club’s operations.

The Sporting Director’s responsibilities include working closely with coaches and scouts, while Bobby’s focus has shifted towards administration, oversight and offering his experience.

The conversation also turned to the question of succession at the club, particularly with their father, Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung, continuing to guide the organisation he founded.

Bobby, however, played down suggestions that an immediate succession arrangement was in place.

“Not really, the succession plan will go with time because at the moment we are all trying to find our footing in terms of the brand with the guidance of the chairman,” he said.

He stressed that the club’s future would depend on the contributions of its current leadership rather than any individual seeking to take over the chairman’s position.

“If I can say succession plan is Bobby wants to be the chairman, no, no, that won’t be right. The chairman is here. The chairman is still alive,” he added.

Motaung also acknowledged the pressure that comes with carrying the legacy of a club that has been one of South Africa’s most recognisable football institutions since its formation in 1970.

For now, his message is that the brothers have distinct responsibilities but remain aligned in their efforts to take Chiefs forward.

The challenge for the Motaung family leadership will be ensuring that the changes in the club’s structures translate into sustained progress on the pitch.