Kick Off

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

KICKOFF • Orlando Pirates captain, Happy Jele, celebrates a record-breaking 400 appearances for The Buccaneers.

Kick Off

Government must consider easing regulations at sport venues

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

The end for Hlompho? • A cloud of uncertainty has been hanging over Hlompho Kekana, with Mamelodi Sundowns choosing not to field the midfielder so far this season, nor give any explanation as to why. Could this mean that Kekana’s time at Sundowns has come to an end after his trophy-laden career with the club in which he was a major part of their success? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo looks into the matter.

Captains of TheBuccaneers’ship • Orlando Pirates are still waiting to make a permanent appointment after the departure of Joe Zinnbauer but whoever arrives to take over in charge of the Buccaneers must realise that he is taking on one of the toughest jobs in South African sport. The Pirates hot seat has been too fiery for many to handle as the eclectic list of past coaches can attest to. KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson examines all the men who have coached the club since the launch of the National Soccer League in 1985 in Part 1 of this historical feature.

Can Pitso revive Tau’s career? • PercyTau hasreturned to African football with record 10-time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly, where he reunites with his former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane. After three years in Europe, he made the decision to leave Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth areportedR30-million, signing a four-year contract with the Egyptian giants. Now the question remains: can his reunion with his former coach revive his career? KICK OFF’S Lorenz Köhler investigates.

The Chiefs keeper conundrum • With Itumeleng Khune no longer as convincing as he used to be, it appears Kaizer Chiefs will have a king size headache in deciding who will be trusted as the first-choice goalkeeper this season. Will rotation work or should there be a first choice for Stuart Baxter’s team? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo delves into this goalkeeping matter.

CHIEFS’ KEEPING QUARTET

FORMER CHIEFS GOALKEEPERS

Sad day for Siwelele • South African football has lost one of its most famous institutions following the sale and unceremonious demise of Bloemfontein Celtic. In a remarkable sequence of events, the Free Statebased outfit’s PSL status was sold to Royal AM on the eve of the 2021-22 DStv Premiership campaign, leaving the club’s famous supporters and more than 50 years of footballing heritage in the dust. KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker caught up with former players Mark Mayambela, David Modise and Lebogang Mothibantwa, who count themselves among the thousands who have been left reeling by Phunya Sele Sele’s tragic end.

‘Fans are too abusive’ • Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande feels that the commitment he gave during the decade he spent at Naturena has earned him the right to be called a club legend. The veteran midfielder might have now switched to new boys Sekhukhune United, but he will ultimately be remembered for his time at Chiefs. He spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo about his stay and departure from Naturena, where he won the league, MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.

CRISTIANO RONALDO MANCHESTER UNITED

My Dream Team • Dikgang Mabalane joined Jomo Cosmos at the turn of the century on the recommendation of then KICK OFF reporter, Ray Nxumalo. The speedy winger, who also enjoyed a great career with the likes of SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates – picks his Dream Team of former teammates.

Bafana star in the making • Evidence Makgopa has burst onto the scene in the last 12 months and become a key player for club and country,...