Kick Off

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

KICK OFF

Kick Off

Give Royal AM their flowers

LETTERS to the editor

THE MONTH THAT WAS

Financial Fair Play • The emergence of Mamelodi Sundowns as a dominant force, not only on the pitch but also in the transfer market, has turned the DStv Premiership into a one-horse race. Year after year, The Brazilians, bankrolled by mining magnate billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe, have continued to open the gap between them and the rest of the clubs in the PSL. But what does this say about the competition in the League? KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa investigates.

Do Pirates need co-coaches? • So much has been asked about what informed Orlando Pirates’ decision to opt for a co-coaching arrangement in Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids following the expected departure of Josef Zinnbauer. Was it a case of copying what Mamelodi Sundowns did? And what will happen at the end of the season considering some of the same struggles remain? KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo seeks the answers.

‘Ngcobo is a centre-back’ • Such has been Njabulo Ngcobo’s first season at Kaizer Chiefs that he has found himself having to adjust not only to the demands of being at the club, but also dealing with the strain of not playing in his preferred central defender position. Ngcobo was, after all, the best defender in this league last season while playing for Swallows FC. KICK OFF’s Lovemore analyses the 27-year-old’s situation at Naturena.

‘We can beat the drop’ • TS Galaxy midfielder Ethan Brooks needed just 12 appearances in the PSL to earn his first call-up for Bafana Bafana. Though regarded as a youngster, he has already found himself dealing with the challenges and strain of being a professional as he continues to rise shine despite speculation he could be playing elsewhere next season. He spoke to KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo.

Military precision • A soldier by DNA and striker by design, Baroka FC star Richard Mbulu is hitting his targets in more ways than one. The 28-year-old once laid claim to being Malawi’s most prolific goalscorer and is now hoping to emulate those heights in the DStv Premiership where he has become a fan-favourite with Bakgakga in recent times. KICK OFF’s Liam Bekker caught up with the former Costa do Sol sharpshooter to discuss his footballing journey so far, which includes a history-making campaign with the Flames at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and his peculiar fondness for scoring against Denis Onyango and the reigning PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

‘Parreira was on another level’ • Surprise Moriri was blessed with the most exquisite first touch imaginable and enjoyed a remarkable career with Mamelodi Sundowns, who he led to numerous league and cup trophies. Few have forgotten how he brilliantly smashed a sensational volley past legendary Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdez at Loftus against a team that included Dani Alves, Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o. In this interview with KICK OFF’s Thomas Kwenaite, he reveals why he retired when he could have gone on for an additional two years, as well as the pressure members of Bafana Bafana experienced prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

JOAO FELIX • ATLETICO MADRID

MyDream Team • From starting his career at the School of Excellence to the national youth teams and a professional career with Ajax Cape Town, Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic, Dominic Isaacs was always a no-nonsense defender that took no prisoners. In this edition of My Dream Team, he picks the best of his past teammates.

The heart of a lion • Cameroon striker Bienvenu Eva Nga has had to move mountains to craft a career that has now landed him at Chippa United following an arduous journey that left him stranded in Mozambique. He is among those chasing...