Chelsea legend’s secret obsession: The Chiefs icon who inspired his glory

A UEFA Champions League winner walked onto Kaizer Chiefs’ famous Village this week, but he wasn’t there just for a tour—he was there to meet his childhood hero.

Former Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire superstar Salomon Kalou sent shockwaves through Naturena on Wednesday when he paid a surprise visit to the Kaizer Chiefs Village. Kalou, who is in South Africa as a guest analyst for SuperSport’s UEFA Champions League coverage, made a remarkable detour that revealed his deep, long-held connection to the Amakhosi legacy.

Former Côte d’Ivoire and Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou’s visit to the Kaizer Chiefs Village ❤️✌🏼 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/ZWnrjjElOZ

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 6, 2025

The Number 15 Mystery At Kaizer Chiefs

Kalou, who lifted the biggest prize in European club football in 2012 with Chelsea, confessed that both he and his older brother, former international Bonaventure Kalou, grew up idolising one man: Kaizer Chiefs’ own midfield maestro, Doctor Khumalo.

The younger Kalou elaborated on the incredible family connection: “My brother used to be called Doctor Khumalo when we were young,” Kalou explained.

“He always wore the number 15—at youth level, at club level with Paris Saint-Germain [PSG] and Feyenoord, and for Côte D’Ivoire. Doctor was our idol, and we drew a lot of inspiration from him. We also watched Kaizer Chiefs teams of that era and took some learning from their style of play.”

This revelation means that a major part of the Kalou brothers’ successful careers—including Bonaventure’s choice of the iconic number 15 jersey—was directly inspired by the style and grace of “16V”.

A Humble Master Meets His Admirer

The ultimate climax of the visit saw Khumalo arrive at the Village to meet the AFCON winner. The emotion was palpable as Khumalo spoke to Bonaventure Kalou over the phone, who reiterated his brother’s admiration.

“It is humbling and an honour to hear that they achieved what they did, taking inspiration from watching me and my Chiefs teammates,” Khumalo said of the interaction. “You never imagine that you can be the inspiration for players to achieve big things like Salomon and Bonaventure have.”

The Chairman’s Seal of Approval

The visit was cemented when Club Chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung welcomed Kalou, reflecting on the power of inspiration.

“To hear from you how Kaizer Chiefs inspired you and your brother is great motivation for me, as it was also my desire to help uplift and give hope to African footballers,” Dr Motaung told the 2015 AFCON winner.

The Chairman extended a warm, open invitation to the Ivorian icon: “Remember, this is home for you. You are always welcome at the Chiefs village and are part of the family.”

Kalou, who was deeply impressed by the facilities—noting they share colours with his former club ASEC Mimosas—will use the experience to develop his own academy back home, carrying a piece of the Amakhosi spirit with him.