I got that job because I have Chiefs on my CV

Nicholas Mynhardt’s journey through South African football is a testament to the enduring power of the Kaizer Chiefs brand. Now 33, the former Wits University forward reflects on a decade since leaving Naturena, where he signed in 2012 after impressing at Nike’s The Chance competition. Despite struggling to establish himself in the first team and ultimately moving to Vasco Da Gama in 2014, the “former Kaizer Chiefs player” tag has remained his most valuable asset. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver, Mynhardt opens up about how wearing the famous Gold and Black jersey for just two years has shaped every aspect of his post-playing career. From landing coaching positions to securing corporate opportunities, the Chiefs connection continues to open doors a full decade later. This is a rare insight into the lasting impact of representing one of Africa’s biggest football brands, and how that association can be both a blessing and a burden.

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DF: Nick, what struck us while watching you play 5-a-side was that everyone referred to you and Bongani Ndulula as “former Kaizer Chiefs players”. That tag follows you everywhere. It’s been 10 years since you officially left Chiefs — how does it feel that people still identify you that way?

NM: Yeah, literally. It’s been a decade this year, yet it feels like I played there just two years ago. Literally like that. Even for Drogba (Bongani Ndulula), when he plays at any of the clubs he’s played for, people still recognise him as a former Chiefs player. When was the last time he played professional football? Even when I played against him about a month ago, everybody knows that guy’s whole CV. But with regard to having the Chiefs tag, I think it just shows the size of the club and how big it actually is.

DF: Do you think this Chiefs association works in your favour? Many former Chiefs players say that mentioning it opens doors to many opportunities. Do you use it to your advantage?

NM: Can I tell you something? It’s so funny. But it works massively in my favour. As it stands now, everything that I have in my life that pays me is because of that tag. I’m currently doing facilities coordination for a company. When I went for my interview, I sat with the head of facilities. He looked at my CV and everything, then stopped and said, “Hey, I see you played for Chiefs.” I said, “Yes, yes, I did.” All of a sudden, this guy let down his guard. He became so relaxed. The interview went as if I was talking to my friend, even though I met the man for the first time that day. It just made the whole interview so much easier. I’m currently the coach of Emeris, and I’m one of the head coaches there. I’m not saying I'm not qualified to be a coach, because I have some licences and some qualifications. But in South Africa, there are guys with UEFA A and Pro Licences. I got that job because I have Chiefs on my CV. I won't lie to you.