As one of the PSL’s most decorated foreign players, Anthony Laffor has ensured he always delivers when called upon, as he discusses keeping relevant, his relationship with the different coaches he’s worked under, and what his future holds.
New Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande has an added weight on his shoulders with the captain’s armband, but says he is finding it easy to lead his side so far, discussing what it’s like to work under Ernst Middendorp, while experts assess his new role.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo tells his inspirational tale of how he went from packaging plastic to playing for his boyhood club, toiling for years for little money before finally realising his dream.
To celebrate a quarter of a century of KICK OFF, we reflect on a handful of the most memorable matches in the PSL, and list each and every club that has featured in the top-flight since KICK OFF Magazine was born.
South Africa lost a stalwart in Philemon “Chippa” Masinga this month as we pay tribute to the fallen legend, remembering his contribution through the eyes of some of his closest teammates.
And there’s more: Kermit Erasmus honestly talks about the last four years abroad and why it didn’t work out; Bidvest Wits’ Terrence Dzvukamanja reveals how he was held at knife-point before his PSL adventure started, while Reyaad Pieterse explains his decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns above all his other suitors.
We also chat with Maritzburg United’s wanted man Fortune Makaringe and Bloemfontein Celtic talent Tshegofatso Mabasa. We hear the thoughts of Black Leopards coach Dylan Kerr and sit back and admire the star-studded Dream Team of South Africa’s hero Benni McCarthy.
There’s something for everyone, here’s the full menu:
Anthony Laffor
“I still want to win more trophies, so we should forget about the five league titles I have already won.”
The all-weather Mamelodi Sundowns forward reveals how he remains at the top of his game despite not being a regular, before anticipating what’s in store in future.
Willard Katsande
“You have to be happy first to enjoy every challenge that comes with wearing the armband at Chiefs.”
How heavy will the Kaizer Chiefs armband weigh on the new stand-in skipper?
Terrence Dzvukamanja
”Most people in Zimbabwe retire from football very early because they believe 9am-5pm work is better than suffering in football for nothing.”
The Bidvest Wits attacker shares a personal story of his difficult start off the pitch in South Africa.
Best PSL matches
We dig deep into the archives and compile a list of the most memorable PSL matches in the 25-year existence of KICK OFF Magazine.
Kermit Erasmus
“No amount of money will make you happy if you are not doing what you love.”
The new Cape Town City striker speaks openly and honestly about his challenging spell abroad, and what he feels will help him upon his return to the PSL for the second time.
Linda Mntambo
“I would wear gumboots and an overall and get the job done from 08h00-17h00 and be paid R600 every Friday.”
The Orlando Pirates man reveals his inspiring journey from packaging plastics to PSL football, while living out his dream at his true boyhood club.
My Dream Team
A sure selection in most ex-Bafana Bafana players’ Dream Team, national icon Benni McCarthy selects a world-renowned star-studded team of footballers he once shared the pitch with.
Poster Power
A pull-out poster of Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch.
PSL clubs since 1994
It’s a complex list filled with name changes, relocations and buyouts, but we’ve managed to list and reflect on every club that has graced South Africa’s top-flight since the inception of KICK OFF Magazine 25 years ago.
Ajax Lambda Institute
“We were the pioneers for youth development in South Africa.”
Despite their relegation, Ajax Cape Town have remained true to their youth philosophy following the launch of the Ajax Lambda Institute, an unprecedented move in the country’s youth development landscape.
Reyaad Pieterse
“In my head I tell myself I am the best and that my time will come.”
The Mamelodi Sundowns gloveman reveals the reasons for joining an already star-studded goalkeeping department at Chloorkop, while outlining his hunger for success.
Fortune Makaringe
“If I had completed my studies it would have meant foregoing the opportunity to join Maritzburg.”
The talented footballer could have easily replaced his togs with chalk and a duster, as he describes his journey from the classroom to the PSL.
Phil Masinga
“He served South Africa well and a lot of people can copy what he did for this country.”
We pay tribute to the fallen Bafana Bafana legend following his tragic passing.
Tshegofatso Mabasa
“I would like to think that in Africa, we need to be a little bit more serious and take the opportunities we get.”
The young Bloemfontein Celtic striker tells of his arduous and patient journey to the top as he looks to have finally found his scoring boots.
Dylan Kerr
“I have no wife and no children and will have no grandchildren to tell any stories to.”
The Black Leopards coach has sacrificed more than most in the game, as he unpacks why he left Kenya during a period of success to help ensure the PSL newcomers avoid the drop.
Peter Mponda
“To go the route I took is challenging and demanding, but then at times you have to do this in life.”
We catch up with the former Santos defender who is now a club owner, businessman and assistant coach, while also slowly integrating himself into the Malawian political scene.
