Toyota Cup energy builds as Kaizer Chiefs visit Durban manufacturing plant

The build-up to Saturday’s Toyota Cup 2025 continued this week as Kaizer Chiefs players and club representatives visited the Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) manufacturing plant in Prospecton in Durban, the heart of Toyota vehicle production in South Africa.

Home to more than 7,500 employees and the birthplace of local favourites like the Hilux, the plant welcomed the Amakhosi with open arms, turning an ordinary weekday into a celebration of football, fans, and manufacturing pride.

“Bringing the team to the plant today was very important,” said Phathu Padiachy, Senior Manager: Sponsorship and Events at Toyota South Africa Motors. “Durban is our home as Toyota. It is where many of our locally built vehicles, including the best-selling Hilux, are manufactured. What better way to start the Toyota Cup festivities than with the people who build the cars the players drive?”

The visit was packed with meet-and-greet moments, photos, and celebrations, a rare and uplifting experience for staff.

“Our mission at Toyota is to move people,” Padiachy added. “And what a beautiful sight it was to see the team driving into the plant in the vehicles built by our staff. Sport has the power to unite, inspire, and mobilise. Today was a living example of that.”

Jessica Motaung, Marketing and Commercial Director at Kaizer Chiefs, described the visit as energising and heartfelt: “We were truly energised at the plant today, meeting the supporters, the workers, and the entire Toyota family. A big thank you to the leadership team for making this happen. The energy and spirit here reminded us why Durban feels like home. It is a space where we play our games and win.”

Players also expressed their gratitude and excitement ahead of the weekend’s match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“It was a great experience, not just because of the Kaizer Chiefs brand, but because of the plant visit itself,” said Brilliant, one of Kaizer Chiefs legends. “It meant a lot to the supporters to meet the players in person. This is a great way to build excitement for the Toyota Cup.”

Another player Kaizer Chiefs Defender Siphiwe Msimango added: “It was a wonderful day for the club, our sponsors, and the supporters. The atmosphere was amazing. We felt the love and enjoyed their support, not just as players, but as part of the club.”

Saturday’s showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko kicks off at 15:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Tickets are available via https://opentickets.co.za/ToyotaCup, as well as at Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave outlets nationwide.

Fans at the stadium also stand a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Starlet during halftime.