Kick Off

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KICK OFF

Kick Off

Lekoane’s heartbreaking Chiefs story

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

‘I was called a traitor’ • Called a traitor over his decision to sign for Mamelodi Sundowns from Kaizer Chiefs, George Maluleka has had to grow a thick skin in recent times. For all the talk that he joined The Brazilians for money, he tells KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo that he is on a performance-based contract and opens up about life at Chloorkop.

‘Hunt will get it right’ • Gavin Hunt’s appointment as successor to Ernst Middendorp was widely celebrated among Kaizer Chiefs fans but that enthusiasm was quickly subdued by a poor start to the 2020/21 season. Faced with an unprecedented two-window transfer ban, the 56-year-old has forgone the proverbial ‘honeymoon phase’ and immediately found the going considerably tough. KICK OFF’s Chad Kelly-Klate looks at what lies ahead for the veteran coach.

IS THERE STILL ROOM FOR KHUNE, KATSANDE & PARKER?

‘CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS VITAL’

‘I was surprised when Pirates signed me’ • Wayde Jooste’s game time at Highlands Park last season was so limited that he didn’t put in a single 90-minute shift, yet Orlando Pirates found reason to snap him up. The workaholic wingback hasn’t disappointed, fitting in well with The Buccaneers, and after winning the MTN8 he feels they must now be greedy and want it all. Jooste spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo about being the son of an ex-professional footballer, failing to break through at BidVest Wits and finally living his dream of playing for one of the ‘Big Three’ after making a move that even surprised him.

LIFE FATHER, LIKE SON

Can Tau cut it? • Percy Tau has enjoyed a meteoric rise from Witbank to the South Coast of England, where he looks poised to flourish with Brighton & Hove Albion. KICK OFF’s Lorenz Köhler looks at his chances of success in one of the world’s top leagues and what it will take to maintain his remarkable career trajectory.

‘There is still racism in football’ • The departure of Steve Komphela at the beginning of the season to Mamelodi Sundowns provided Mandla Ncikazi with his second shot as a head coach. Last time around at Maritzburg United it didn’t work out and his stay was brief, but at Lamontville Golden Arrows it appears to be a match made in heaven for the former schoolteacher. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo had a lengthy conversation with the former African Wanderers defender.

PRODUCT OF ABAQULUSI

‘I will prove myself’ • Justin Shonga is hoping a fresh start at Cape Town City can revive his fortunes and get along him to fulfill the rich potential that many believe he has. City are among the most attacking sides in the Premier Soccer League and so look a perfect fit for the Zambia international, who saw his career stutter at Orlando Pirates and most recently had a brief spell with troubled TTM. He tells KICK OFF’s Nick Said of his future ambitions and how the memory of his special Soweto Derby goal still makes him smile.

BONGANI ZUNGU RANGERS

My Dream Team • Former Wits University, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows star Lovers Mohlala could play left-back, centre-back or leftwing and so with his ability to play in different positions he was every coach’s dream. He picks his Dream Team XI of ex-teammates.

Substitutes

Setting the record straight

‘Khoza’s face broke my heart’ • Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” and, among South African football administrators, Luxolo September perfectly epitomises this adage. The former PSL administrator has left local shores to take up a senior position within the Confederation of African Football (CAF),...