FINANCIAL and commercial heavyweight Bheki Shongwe has joined Kaizer Chiefs as the club's new managing director in a move aimed at corporatising Amakhosi.

FINANCIAL and commercial heavyweight Bheki Shongwe has joined Kaizer Chiefs as the club's new managing director in a move aimed at corporatising Amakhosi.

A Swaziland native, Shongwe has also been welcomed by his predecessor Kaizer Motaung, who has since been appointed executive chairperson by the board.

Shongwe started his new job yesterday and is excited to have joined a big club of Chiefs' calibre that enjoys massive support.

According to Chiefs, Shongwe boasts lengthy service in the Sol Kerzner dynasty and Primedia, who are the shareholders of the club.

Prior to his appointment as new managing director, Shongwe - who has played soccer in Botswana and Swaziland under the great Zero Johnson - sat on the Amakhosi board.

Shongwe told the Chiefs website: "I am determined to strengthen and deepen the Kaizer Chiefs brand to further touch the lives of citizens as a befitting tribute to its original founders who preached messages of love and peace."

Motaung, co-founder of Chiefs, will oversee the sustainability of a dream that he has lived and cherished for almost 40 years.

He said of his successor: "Your experience and dedication to the club from your role as a member of the board gives me confidence that Kaizer Chiefs will be steered by a mind brimming with fresh ideas and a renewed focus that will consolidate the brand's influence in matters of football both locally and internationally."