Kick Off

Kick off is Africa's biggest selling monthly sport Magazine and the leading authority on South African soccer.

REST IN PEACE ANELE NGCONGCA • 21 OCTOBER 1987 - 23 NOVEMBER 2020

Kick Off

2020 The Year of Pitso

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

What now for Chiefs? • With Kaizer Chiefs banned from buying any players until next season, they will have to find a way to navigate through the current campaign. And the man tasked with this challenge is new coach Gavin Hunt, who took over the reins at the beginning of the term. Will they cope or will they crumble, and will they finish their fifth consecutive season without a trophy? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo investigates.

CHIEFS SURPRISE SIGNINGS

The Sundowns think tank • If you have ever wondered why Manqoba Mngqithi keeps so calm on the bench and just how his complex coaching arrangement at Mamelodi Sundowns with Rhulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela is working, then wonder no more. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo asked the questions and with the authority of the teacher that he is, Mngqithi has responded.

Safe hands • There is anair of expectancy that Orlando Pirates have finally found a lasting solution to their goalkeeping department which has been a problem for a while now. The signing of Richard Ofori from Maritzburg United is seen as a step up for the club. KICK OFF's Lovemore Moyo looks at why Pirates might have finally found the goalkeeping solution they have been searching for.

OFORI’S COMPETITION

‘I appreciate Chiefs’ • Sifiso Hlanti has just joined DStv Premiership rookies Swallows FC following the sale of BidVest Wits, and opens up to KICK OFF Chad Kelly-Klate on the emotional rollercoaster of the events that unfolded and how it affected him personally. The left-back has established himself as a prominent figure within the Premier Soccer League after his move from AmaZulu to Wits back in 2016. However, an abrupt sale of the club to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC that continues to divide opinions saw him having to seek employment elsewhere. This eventually led to a two-year deal, plus a one-year option, with Swallows after a thwarted move to Kaizer Chiefs due to their transfer ban appeal having been thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport back in October. The 30-year-old now candidly reflects on the misfortune of having the Clever Boys sold out from under the players’ feet, to training at the Chiefs Village but ultimately going on to join the Dube Birds on the opposite side of Soweto.

‘I was done with football’ • After re-joining the club that gave him his PSL debut in AmaZulu, Lehlohonolo Majoro’s career has come full circle. The striker returned to Durban after playing for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City and BidVest Wits, and reveals to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo how he was a late bloomer into the PSL that thought his time would never come.

ELEVEN CAPS NOT ENOUGH

Bafana’s crowning moment • It is a quarter-century ago in January that the Africa Cup of Nations finals kicked off in Johannesburg with South Africa stunning on their debut by beating Cameroon 3-0 at Soccer City. Despite a hiccup here and there, Bafana Bafana never looked back and went on to win the continental crown. Some 25 years on, it remains the highlight in the national team’s history. KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson commemorates heady days for the local game.

PICTURE IMPERFECT

THE NATIONS CUP ROAD TO VICTORY

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA • 30 OCTOBER 1960 – 25 NOVEMBER 2020

My Dream Team

‘I had to leave Sundowns’ • Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosi mane became just the third man in history tow in the CAF Champions League with two different clubs when heled the Egypti an giants to the title with a final victory over bitter rivals Zamalek. He has become hot property across the...