August 2018 ISSUE NUMBER 496 R16.00 (VAT INCL.) NAMIBIA N$18.50 31496 9 771022 381002
INSIDE 6 The Month That Was Looking back at the month s most memorable moments. 6 Letters You have your say over the game s most contentious issues. 10 16 20 24 28 32 36 38 Themba Zwane The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder talks about playing the Spanish way at Chloorkop, what keeps him ticking and where he needs to raise his game. Khama Billiat The reasons behind the new Kaizer Chiefs star s move to Naturena explained in detail by his closest advisors, who reveal why Soweto was the ideal destination. Innocent Maela The Orlando Pirates defender speaks about his maiden season with the Soweto giants, preparing for Africa and what needs to be done to topple Sundowns. Thapelo Morena Sundowns utility man talks about his personal growth since arriving at Chloorkop, his love for Bloemfontein Celtic and which rival club he s keeping an eye on this season. Siphesihle Ndlovu The PSL s best midfielder and young player of last season insists his destiny is in his own hands as he looks to continue his impressive upward trajectory. Talent Chawapihwa The highly sought-after Zimbabwean winger is thrilled to be playing alongside his childhood heroes in the PSL, and is determined to take his game to the next level. Poster Power A pull-out poster of France s 2018 Fifa World Cup starlet Kylian Mbappe. Victor Gomes We chat one-on-one in a rare interview with the South African referee, who talks about the attention given to him, his recent award as well as the bribe he turned down in CAF. 56 10 28 38 42 46 50 54 56 60 64 68 71 72 Badra Ali Sangare Initially lambasted for his early performances after his arrival, the Free State Stars goalkeeper s story is one of persistence and resilience as he reflects on a positive first season in the PSL. Vuyo Mere The pained Platinum Stars veteran feels the club s demise and subsequent relegation did not solely stem from last season s performance. Mateo Manousakis The extraordinary tale of how the passionate seven-year-old internet sensation weaved his way into the hearts of PSL fans across the country, and the telling impact he s made at Cape Town City. My Dream Team Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar picks his perfect line-up filled with star-studded footballers from across the various European leagues in which he played. Influential women To celebrate Women s Month, we pay tribute to some of the most influential women in South African football. World Cup 2018 Re-live the most riveting moments from the thrilling tournament in Russia. Lebogang Moloto The American-based midfielder shares his experiences from across the Atlantic Ocean, while dispelling age-old myths about soccer in the USA. Mongi Rula The former Umtata Bush Bucks star reveals what he s been up to since hanging up his boots at the turn of the century. Secrets of the Stars Ten things you may not know about Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lyle Lakay. Secret Footballer The often frowned-upon domestic league in Belgium is a lot stronger than many South Africans think, according to this month s Secret Footballer. news on your phone: kickoff.com/mobile AUGUST 2018 1
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Antoine Griezmann of France takes a penalty against Danijel Subasic of Croatia for his team s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. news on your phone: kickoff.com/mobile AUGUST 2018 3