Kick Off

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KICK OFF

Kick Off

2025 Fifa Club World Cup will be better

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

Why Chiefs need Khune • For the better part of his career after making an impressive foray into elite football, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune’s graph has always been on an upward trajectory. However, this season it’s been a downward spiral with Daniel Akpeyi taking the number one spot at Naturena. KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa looks at what the future hold for the 34-year-old.

Is Gaba-Goal back? • Gabadinho Mhango went to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon on the back of a horrible start to the season at Orlando Pirates. But he has now returned with his confidence high after leading the Malawi national team to the last 16, where they lost 2-1 to Morocco. While his scoring abilities are well known, the question facing him is whether he can replicate that form for Pirates. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo looks at what the player needs to do to turn his club fortunes around.

‘I will come back stronger’ • The joy of playing football every week was suddenly taken away from Lebohang Maboe the moment he went down with a knee injury atthebeginningn ofthe season. But that hasn’t h discouraged him from feeding off the positive energy at Chloorkop. He spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo about the journey of coming back and how much he still wants to win trophies.

‘We couldn’t agree with Sundowns’ • Bafana Bafana rising star Bongokuhle Hlongwane shunned interest from Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs for a move to Major League Soccer side Minnesota United in the United States. Hlongwane spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo about how he rose from the rural areas and started as a goalkeeper, before becoming one of the hottest prospects in domestic football.

WHY THE DOWNS MOVE FAILED…

Ins & Outs Biggest PSL transfers • While the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were quietinmarket, n the January transfer window saw a number of high-profile moves take place across the DStv Premiership. Reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns flexed their financial muscle with three new signings and Cape Town City oversaw a mass exodus, while the likes of Sekhukhune United, Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu were among the other teams to make theirmovesonthen transfer front. In no particular order, KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker picks out 10 of the best deals to have been completed during the month.

‘Iam learning fromthe best’ • AmaZulu’s longest serving player Thapelo Xoki has been an ever-present figure through the club’s highs and lows. The defender, who has spent eight years at the club, went down with Usuthu at the end of his debut season. When they got promoted back to the topflight, he was still there. He was also among the top performers in a dream 2020-21 season under coach Benni McCarthy. KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa spoke to the player about AmaZulu’s struggles this campaign, playing in the CAF Champions League and his ambitions for the future.

THEMBINKOSI LORCH

My Dream Team • Mark Haskins played for four PSL clubs during his career – Jomo Cosmos, Moroka Swallows, BidVest Wits and SuperSport United. At all those clubs he was the consummate professional and earned praise from teammates and coaches. The former winger picks his Dream Team from players he shared those jerseys with, and it does not disappoint …

‘Why we need a biennial World Cup’

Like Father, Like Son • Khanyisa Mayo is a hot prospect in the Premier Soccer League after joining Cape Town City ahead of the current season having earned his stripes in the GladAfrica Championship, where he excelled for Richards Bay. The striker is following in the footsteps of...