Kick Off

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Kick Off

Percy Tau must leave Brighton

LETTERS to the editor

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THE MONTH THAT WAS

‘Chiefs lack le adership’ • Having now sunk to their lowest point of their six-year trophy drought, Kaizer Chiefs now need to react to sort out the uncharacteristic mess that has become of them. With the next transfer window allowing them to make new signings after completing their transfer ban, Naturena will be a hive of activity. Who goes? Who stays? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo scrutinises the situation.

AN AGEING, EXPENSIVE SQUAD

‘I wouldn’t advise Lorch to go to Europe’ • Thembinkosi Lorch has become a household name since the Orlando Pirates star shot to fame after winning the 2018/19 PSL Footballer of the Season award and later having a song named in his honour by local artists Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa. But where did his journey begin and has he now passed the heights of his career? KICK OFF’s Chad Kelly-Klate delves into his past and learns what experts think of his future.

‘I must still improve’ • Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile admits that he would he have scored more goals had it not been for rushing in the box – an element of his game that he is working on. In the meantime, goals and assists are raining for the honest hard worker who spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo about also aiming to bring his ‘A’ game every time he plays.

NAMIBIAN CONNECTION

‘I will bring success’ • Benni McCarthy joining AmaZulu came as a huge surprise to many, including himself. In Part 1 of our interview, the Bafana Bafana legend opens up to KICK OFF’s Chad Kelly-Klate on what led to his decision to move from Edinburgh, Scotland to Durban, where he has been given “free rein” by the club’s new owner Sandile Zungu. And what led to his exit from Cape Town City.

No justice • The Ellis Park disaster remains a dark stain in South Africa’s sporting history, a tragic event that was completely avoidable and for which no-one has ever taken responsibility, or faced the consequences of their actions. As we reflect on the 20-year anniversary of that fateful Soweto Derby, KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson lists the blunders by officials, born out of greed, and the aftermath for those affected.

A RECIPE FOR DISASTER

‘Look beyond Chiefs, Pirates & Sundowns’ • Having enjoyed his first taste of football on foreign soil last year, former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns star George Lebese is looking to hit new heights with Colorado Springs Switchbacks this season. The Bafana Bafana midfielder is currently in limbo while he awaits his new visa, which has been delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but sat down with KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker to reflect on life in the United States ahead of his eventual return to the country.

DEON HOTTO ORLANDO PIRATES

MyDream Team • Mark Mayambela’s career kicked off at Bloemfontein Celtic where he became a crowd favourite and earned himself the nickname ‘Professor’ because of his skills. He joined Orlando Pirates and was a member of the all-conquering Bucs team that had players such as Benni McCarthy, Andile Jali and the late Senzo Meyiwa. This month, the 33-year-old picks his Dream Team XI of former teammates.

Where it all began • April will mark 50 years since the first professional league was set up for clubs from the so-called ‘black leagues’, a momentous moment in the history of South African football. It was not without drama, but is the point at which the game became more organised on a national level and eventually led to the Premier Soccer League we have today. Five decades on, KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson reveals how the league was formed and who were the early trendsetters in local...