Kaizer Chiefs have welcomed Kwaito artist L’vovo Derrango to their Naturena base after the musician spoke publicly about the stroke that left him fighting to regain his speech, mobility and career.
The visit was arranged as a show of support for the artist, whose real name is Thokozani Ndlovu. Chiefs’ hierarchy met him at the club’s headquarters and presented him with Kaizer Chiefs merchandise during a tour of the facility.
Ndlovu recently shared details of his recovery with South Africans, explaining how his health deteriorated after he collapsed while performing on stage in December 2022. He was taken to the nearest hospital and spent several weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The illness affected his ability to speak and walk properly, but he has since made significant progress. His account of the experience touched many people when it was broadcast in an interview with Gagasi FM presenter Linda Sibiya two weeks ago.
Ndlovu said the sudden change in his circumstances had affected every part of his life, including his ability to earn a living through music.
> “I never imagined my life would change so suddenly,” said Ndlovu as per IOL.
> “There were days when I questioned whether I would ever stand on a stage again. But God gave me another chance, and I chose to fight every single day. If my story can inspire even one person not to give up, then every struggle has been worth it.
He said the loss of work and bookings created serious financial pressure, eventually forcing him to return to his family home. The performer also described the fear he felt about being seen in public while he continued to recover.
> “I suffered financially because I wasn’t working or receiving any bookings. I had to move back home. I was scared to go outside and be seen by people,” he continued.
Ndlovu added that the support of close friends helped him through the most difficult period, while the illness also exposed changes in some of his personal relationships.
> “My real friends would come, cook for me, and take care of me. I received words of support. I also lost many people.
The stroke also made it impossible for him to continue recording or performing music in the way he had before. He said he could not speak clearly or project his voice, leaving music out of reach during his recovery.
> “I was unable to speak properly or project my voice. So, making music simply wasn’t an option.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ gesture comes as Ndlovu continues to rebuild his life after the medical emergency. His appearance at Naturena allowed the club to acknowledge his resilience and offer encouragement as he works towards further recovery.
The visit also underlined the club’s impact beyond football, with Chiefs showing support for a South African artist whose story has resonated widely since he began speaking about his stroke and its aftermath.
