Kick Off

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

KICK OFF • Brazil, led by 38-year-old Dani Alves, celebrate their 2020 Olympic victory after beating Spain 2-1 in the Final.

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THE MONTH THAT WAS

‘We are a bunch of winners’ • After starting his career as a central defender, Rivaldo Coetzee has established himself as a potentially world-class holding midfielder and believes his career will now continue in that position. In this interview with KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo, he talks about how he has grown at Mamelodi Sundowns and the ambitions he still holds.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF A GIANT

A UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT

‘An exceptional talent’ • The coach who originally discovered Boitumelo Radiopane is in no doubt that the youngster will be the solution to Orlando Pirates scoring troubles. That might sound like too much of a burden on the shoulders of the teenager but scoring goals has never been an issue for all the years that Radiopane has been playing football, starting on the streets of Vaal. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo profiles the youngster’s rise to stardom.

WAITING FOR THEIR CHANCE • Orlando Pirates have a number of other young talents waiting in the wings for their first team opportunity.

The return of CBD • The signing of Keagan Dolly by Kaizer Chiefs sent the biggest of signals of just how much they want to reclaim the glory days after six barren years. Even though there have been concerns about his fitness, Dolly will still be expected to make a huge difference as the season progresses. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo details Dolly’s rise to his marquee signing at Chiefs.

‘HE WILL DO WELL’

Quest for Qatar • Bafana Bafana’s latest quest to qualify for a FIFA World Cup begins in September when new coach Hugo Broos will finally take charge of the team for the first time. They have been drawn into a difficult qualification group along with recent foes Ghana, neighbours Zimbabwe and the always tricky Ethiopia, as KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson reveals.

‘I’m waiting for that call-up’ • Fresh from enjoying a record-breaking season with AmaZulu in the DStv Premiership, Siyethemba Sithebe attained national stardom at the 2021 COSAFA Cup where his Player of the Tournament performance inspired South Africa to a famous triumph in Gqeberha. The 28-year-old spoke with KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker following the conclusion of the tournament to reflect on his and the nation’s title-winning achievements, which have laid a strong foundation for the country ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, while simultaneously casting an eye on Usuthu’s upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.

Who can challenge Sundowns? • The new DStv Premiership season is under way with the 16 top-flight clubs all starting on a clean slate. Mamelodi Sundowns start as the hot favourites again, but the question is who can emerge from the challengers to make a contest out of the title race? KICK OFF’s Nick Said assesses the potential fortunes of the teams vying for the top prize in South African football.

SABELO RADEBE KAIZER CHIEFS

My Dream Team

‘Skin colour is a factor’ • Many South Africans might have forgotten him but former Under-23 international Masilo Modubi is quietly working his way up the coaching ranks in Belgium. The Polokwane-born ex-midfielder spoke to KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa about life in Europe, dealing with discrimination and why South Africa’s development structures need an overhaul.

Home of the brave • Marumo Gallants is a new name in the DStv Premiership this season, but not a new club as the team have rebranded from the chaotic, but ultimately successful, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila...