Kick Off

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KICK OFF

Kick Off

Bafana needs Andile Jali

LETTERS to the editor

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THE MONTH THAT WAS

‘I still want to play in Europe’ • Seventy goals scored by Peter Shalulile over the last three seasons at Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns is an incredible return. But it is also perhaps no surprise, the striker has steadily improved his numbers each season he has played in South Africa’s topflight. He tells KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo how he has done this and what his plans are for the future.

How Chiefs can get back on top • Kaizer Chiefs have ended another trophyless season after crashing out at the first hurdle in the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, and finishing miles behind league champions Mamelodi Sundowns. It has been seven seasons since AmaKhosi last lifted silverware, but where is it going wrong for the Glamour Boys? KICK OFF’s Siya Ndlela investigates.

‘Judge Lorch on the field’ • In the aftermath of an Orlando Pirates win, draw or loss, one name usually pops up for either praise of criticism. Lorch! Lorch! Lorch! In recent seasons, Thembinkosi Lorch has had to carry the hopes and dreams of The Buccaneers on his shoulders. If not, he has had to shoulder the blame in instances where things didn’t work out for the team. Is he still the man who can carry Pirates, or is the weight of expectations on the speedy winger too great to bear? KICK OFF’s Hosea Ramphekwa investigates.

Adding up the numbers on a record season • Mamelodi Sundowns completed an unprecedented fifth DStv Premiership title win in a row and along the way broke a number of other records in what was a dominant season for The Brazilians that left the chasing pack in their wake. KICK OFF’s Nick Said looks at the numbers behind the campaign which tell their own story of how the season unfolded.

‘Some players did not have the heart' • In the second part of our interview with Benni McCarthy, the former AmaZulu coach picks up from where he left off. He talks to KICK OFF’s Kyle Lewis about the comparisons between Usuthu and Cape Town City, players that took him by surprise and performed beyond expectations, as well as his relationship with former Bafana Bafana teammate Siphiwe Tshabalala.

‘I was in a real dark place’ • Striker Ashley du Preez is a local Stellenbosch talent who rose through the ranks to become the leading forward for his hometown club. The speedster has since been snapped up by Kaizer Chiefs for the 2022/23 Premier Soccer League season, but before heading to Gauteng spoke to KICK OFF’s Nick Said about his journey in the game so far. He admits it has not all been plain sailing, but under the guidance of his now former coach at Stellenbosch FC, Steve Barker, is beginning to fulfil his huge potential.

‘I CAN BE WHAT CHIEFS NEED’

A FAREWELL TO STELLENBOSCH

PHATHUTSHEDZO NANGE

My Dream Team • Former Zimbabwe international Thomas Sweswe first came to the PSL in 2004 to join Manning Rangers from Highlanders FC. But it was with Kaizer Chiefs, between 2009 and 2012, where he achieved most success. In this edition, he picks his Dream Team XI from the best of his former teammates.

‘We must save Zuma’s career’ • For all his talent, it has been disappointing that Dumisani Zuma has spent the past year on the sidelines following a series of allegations of misconduct. Such was his situation that Kaizer Chiefs decided to release him despite a year remaining on his contract. KICK OFF’s Lovemore Moyo investigates what happened to the new AmaZulu signing.

TALENTED YET GOING ASTRAY

New boys on the block • The 2022/23 DStv Premiership will have yet another new name in Richards Bay following the club’s promotion to the elite league...