Kick Off

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KICK OFF

Kick Off

Challenging times for SA football

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

‘Parker deserves more recognition’ • On October 24, 2021, Bernard Parker wrote his name into the Kaizer Chiefs history books. Not only did his brace against SuperSport United garner Chiefs a 2-1 victory, but it also engraved his name into the AmaKhosi folklore as he became the club’s all-time record goalscorer in the PSL era with 60 goals. Parker also holds the record for most appearances by a Chiefs player since the PSL’s inception as he closes in on 350. KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa looks at how the 35-year-old has managed to enjoy such longevity at Naturena.

HOW PARKER HELPED BILLIAT REGAIN HIS FORM

‘He must be careful’ • The decision by Orlando Pirates to take their recruitment all the way to Ghana was greeted with a level of scepticism, especially considering the club’s recent history of misfits in the international transfer market. But despite that, new recruit Kwame Peprah has settled in well but now the question remains: will he flatter to deceive like those who came before him? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo investigates.

HOW OTHER GHANAIANS FARED IN THE PSL

‘We’ll never get tired of winning’ • The fact that Mosa Lebusa has been a league winner for all the years that he has been with Mamelodi Sundowns hasn’t diluted his desire to add yet another title. The level of maturity in his game has been difficult to ignore as he provides the cushion at the back for The Brazilians. In this interview with KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo, he talks about winning trophies, the dressing room vibe at the club and cultivating the culture of being serial winners.

‘I want to win the Golden Boot’ • Backed by the firepower of in-form striker Chibuike Ohizu, DStv Premiership newcomers Sekhukhune United have defied the odds this season by challenging for a top-eight finish in their maiden top-flight campaign. The Nigerian star has been prolific in front of goal for Babina Noko and speaks with KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker to reveal how the Gauteng-based side has soared so high so quickly, while also sharing details of his own ambitions of winning the Golden Boot award with the high-flying outfit.

‘I still judge myself on goals’ • Striker Lehlohonolo Majoro was something of a late bloomer, debuting in the topflight of South African football just a few days after his 24th birthday. Now 35, he is still going strong, about to embark on an African Champions League group stage campaign with AmaZulu and still continually searching for goals. He spoke to KICK OFF’s Mark Gleeson.

On a new path • Kurt Lentjies must be up there near the top of many people’s list of the best players never to win a cap for Bafana Bafana having been an incredible servant to the local game during a stellar 13-year top-flight career. He has now hung up his boots and started his journey into coaching at Chippa United, where he has been asked to take over from Gavin Hunt. Lentjies tells KICK OFF’s Nick Said about his surprise at having been handed the coaching role, reveals where he played his best football and picks out three top teammates.

NEO MAEMA • MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

My Dream Team • Onyekachi Okonkwo made his name in the Nigerian Premier League and after back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004 with Enyimba, he joined Orlando Pirates. He formed a formidable partnership with Benedict Vilakazi in the Bucs midfield before attracting an offer from FC Zurich in Switzerland. His Dream Team is mainly made up of star-studded former Nigeria national team players.

Substitutes

‘There were offers from Chiefs & Sundowns’ • Nathan Sinkala has been one of the first names on the...