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Vermont Sales.indd 1 2020/01/29 8:47 AM FEATURES CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE 20 is determined to keep his place in the Bafana squad CLEVER MOVE HOT PROPERTY 26 Lorenzo Gordinho is thriving after Gabadinho Mhango his transfer to Bidvest Wits is leading from the 8 front at Pirates SOUND FUTURE 32 The signing of Nkanyiso Zungu has rounded out Bucs’ squad nicely EXPECTING EXCELLENCE 35 Is Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech the next big thing to come from Africa? DAUNTING TASK 37 Clinton Larsen needs to pull another ISSUE rabbit out of his hat to save Polokwane FIGHTING ON 44 Real Kings are confident they can 115 gain promotion to the top flight HIGH RISK 47 Polokwane City took a gamble on international Khuda Muyaba 50 AMERICAN DREAM Christian Pulisic is leading America’s renewed football revolution Tools For Every Job contents SHORTS 4 FROM THE CLUBHOUSE 6 PRIZES & BENEFITS 15 REF’S RAP PANIC BUYS 16 PSL PREVIEW SoccerClub highlights 10 questionable 19 WOMEN’S FOOTBALL EPL transfers 23 GETTING TO KNOW 54 24 MOMENT IN TIME THE MANE MAN 29 CROSSWORD Sadio Mane has become one of 30 POSTER the best strikers 12 34 NUMBER’S GAME in the world ONLY ONE LIKE HIM 58 EXPERT OPINION Replacing Willard Katsande is easier said than done WIN 40 6 Stand the chance to have www.torkcraft.com your account credited with aa For more info and distribution enquiries, Call Vermont Sales your share of R8 000 on (011) 314 7711 and visit www.vermontsales.co.za WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 3

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A Step Up MOGAMAD ALLIE SoccerClub Editor

he growing number of Banyana Banyana team members playing in T Europe is encouraging for the future of our women’s national team. With the greatest respect to Safa’s national women’s league, our top players need exposure at the highest levels of club football and that’s exactly what they will be getting at their well-resourced European teams. Women’s football is growing rapidly in Europe and many well-known clubs are committing more resources to improving the standard of the game. Playing with and against better players will take our stars to a higher level and it’s encouraging to see national vice-captain and making an impact at AC Milan and Benfica respectively. Over the past few months others like Kelso Peskin (Toulouse), (Real Betis) and Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens) have been signed by European clubs. They join national teammates Leandra Smeda, Stephanie Malherbe, Rhoda Malaudzi and Nothando PLAYING WITH AND AGAINST BETTER PLAYERS Vilakazi who have been campaigning overseas for a while. WILL TAKE OUR STARS TO A HIGHER LEVEL Not only playing for, but also training in – and being exposed to – a professional Africa. The players have done well to Cup of Nations. The experience gained by environment is sure to benefit the players capitalise on the shop window provided the overseas contingent, who would at the who would otherwise have been stuck in by last year’s Women’s World Cup in same time have become better footballers, a semi-professional environment in South to secure their moves abroad. should make ’ team a much After the massive disappointment of stronger outfit than the one that finished HOW TO SUBSCRIBE crashing out in the second round of the second to at the 2018 tournament. qualifiers for July’s Olympic Games in The Women’s Afcon has eluded CALL 0860 117 530 Tokyo, Banyana have a chance to redeem Banyana, who have been runners-up Between 08:30 and 17:00 themselves at this year’s Women’s Africa no fewer than five times since they first entered the biennial competition in 1995. With a growing European-based contingent SMS ‘SOCCER’ and your Email your account number or at her disposal, Ellis will be well placed to account number to 45176 ID number to [email protected] *Standard SMS rates apply become the first to deliver the long-

awaited continental title in November. GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/BACKPAGEPIX

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HIGHBURY MEDIA WHAT HAPPENED Editorial Director Gary Lemke Soccer Editor Wade Pretorius ON FACEBOOK Managing Editor Nick Krige Group Deputy Sports Editor Philippa Byron Art Director Stuart Apsey OVER Production Manager Rushaan Holliday Deputy Production Manager Maggie Wasserfall Sales Manager Ari Kasimov 125 000 Media Sales Sean Cookson Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ferguson Managing Director Tony Walker LIKES Production Director Bilqees Allie Financial Director Lindsey Makrygiannis SoccerClub’s Kaizer Chiefs fans respond to Human Resource Director Rizqah Jakoet Ernst Middendrop’s rallying cry for support Cover Photo Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Sihle Elprincipe Dlamean We got your back sir, don’t worry.

Sindile Mlilo He used the same team and tactics and is now being found out.

Ngwako Khunwane He must stop being stubborn and listen to those around him.

Victor Jacob Don’t forget to do your job, coach, otherwise you know what happens.

Lesego Lucky Ratsikana Put Itu Khune © Highbury Media (Pty) Ltd 2004/031056/07, in the starting lineup. Highbury Media, 36 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni 7405, , South Africa; ISSN: 2519 0512 Naledi Kay If he listened and did away Editorial Enquiries Tel: (021) 416-0141 Fax: (021) 421-1250 with his arrogance, all will be well. He Email: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries Tel: (021) 416-0141 is not bigger than the brand. Fax: (021) 418-0132 Website: www.hsm.co.za Subscription Enquiries: Tel: 0860 117 530 Kabza Ngwana He lacks a football philosophy. ISSN 2521-280X. All material in SOCCERCLUB is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission by TFG is forbidden. SOCCERCLUB does not accept unsolicited manuscripts for publication. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The views expressed in this publication

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Readers & Prizes April 2020.indd 7 2020/02/27 12:26 FSC Mhango.indd 8 Property Hot a candidate for reaching the elusive a candidateforreachingtheelusive Perhaps thatiswhatmakeshim to score all types of goals. to scorealltypesofgoals. dimensional andisable find becauseheisnotone- Gabadinho Mhangoisarare title-winning coach,believes avin Hunt,BidvestWits’ Boot. By MazolaMolefe a front-runner for theGolden has madeGabadinhoMhango The move toOrlandoPirates have always been question marks about have alwaysbeenquestionmarksabout from Witswasunexpectedbecausethere former Bafanastar. but Mhangoisdeterminedtomatchthe Premiership strikerattainedthatfigure, Nomvethe, eightyearsago,hasanyAbsa 20-goal mark.NotsinceveteranSiyabonga His move to Orlando Pirates in July 2019 His movetoOrlandoPiratesinJuly2019 GOALS’ – DIFFERENT TYPESOF GOAL ANDCAN SCORE ‘HE’S GOTANEYEFOR different types of goals. Some strikers different typesofgoals.Somestrikers with him,’Huntsaid. we usedtodoalotofoff-the-ballthings in him.Heisoutofmyhandsnow, but earned abigmovetoPirates. in 65outingsatSturrockParkbutstill pretty grimtoo.Mhangoscored15goals from 20matchesinallcompetitions. ended thecampaignwithjustsixgoals four goalsinasinglegame.Butthen a pre-contractdealwithWits,hescored Celtic senthimpackingforagreeingto spell atGoldenArrowsafterBloemfontein digits withhisgoaltally. Malawian marksmanreacheddouble before thiscampaigninthePSLhas his truepotential.Onlyonceinsixseasons ‘He’s got aneyeforgoalandcanscore ‘The boycanscore,hehasgotgoals Wondering why? The nextthreeseasonswithHuntwere In April2016,whileenjoyingabrief GAVIN 2020/02/24 14:12

SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX GABADINHOMHANGO

WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 9

FSC Mhango.indd 9 2020/02/24 14:12 GABADINHOMHANGO

can only score one type of goal but he’s were all about adapting while the club different – he’s good in the air and he went through an adjustment after Micho wants it at his feet.’ Sredojevic’s resignation a few weeks into It took a while to get going at Pirates the season. because the Malawian, despite scoring In the player’s own words, if you want on debut, didn’t consistently hit the back to get him scoring frequently you have of the net until November – some three to play to his strengths. months into the season. ‘The system we’ve played is one I love To be fair, at Wits he was often played because I play close to the goal,’ Mhango out of position and wasn’t guaranteed to told journalists when he picked up his have a good supply of the ball at Celtic award for Player of the Month for January, and Arrows. The early months at Pirates a period in which he scored six goals in as many league matches under new coach BACKING HIM . ‘It’s not one where I need to go all the Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Katlego way back. I’m just around the box, so that’s Mphela, who won the PSL Golden why maybe I am in the game. Obviously, Boot award in 2010, is backing Mhango to beat Amakhosi striker we need to defend for the team. We all Samir Nurkovic to this season's track back, we all attack. But I think WORKING crown. ‘I think Gabadinho has a my best positioning is very close to the chance, judging by his form and goal because I know where the goal is. IN PAIRS the way he has been banging in Sometimes I don’t need to see where goals. The team play around him. Gabadinho Mhango is full of praise With the games that are coming, it is when I strike because I know.’ for teammate Luvuyo Memela. he will still get a couple of goals.’ ‘I think he’s the top No 10 I have ever seen or played with,’ he says. ‘He understands football. Sometimes he doesn’t need to look where you are – he’s just going to put the ball in the right place. And when I go there I’m going to get that ball. So it’s credit to him.’

Since his switch to the giants, Mhango has definitely scored all types of goals, including a hat-trick – only the third player to do so during the 2019-20 season – in a 4-1 thumping of Polokwane City. Earlier in the season, he stated his immediate target was to score 15 goals this season and, having already achieved that, he has one more milestone to reach. ‘It looks like no one is going to touch ’s record of 25 goals [achieved in 2005], but with enough supply it’s maybe possible,’ said Mhango, before adding that the 20-goal target was rare because ‘the league is tough and strong – defenders are aware of the strikers’. At 27, Mhango has a few more years to chase down Mbesuma’s record – if he can get over the inconsistency that

has plagued his career. MUZI NTOMBELA/SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX

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Markham.indd 1 2020/02/17 2:36 PM FSC Katsande.indd 12 Like Only KATSANDE WILLARD WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA search for hissuccessor. By DeanWorkman Kaizer Chiefs’ midfieldtogether whilethey Him Willard Katsande continuestohold One 2020/02/24 11:58AM

XXXXXXX FSC Katsande.indd 12 Like Only KATSANDE WILLARD WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA search for hissuccessor. By DeanWorkman Kaizer Chiefs’ midfieldtogether whilethey Him Willard Katsande continuestohold One 2020/02/24 11:58AM

XXXXXXX FSC Katsande.indd 13

SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX T my commitment. I'm a limited guy in my commitment.I'malimitedguyin chance, Iperform.You willneverdoubt take itforgranted.WheneverIgeta I needtogivethemlifethroughfootball. orphan andI’mtheonlyboyinmyfamily. heart out.Myupbringingwasbad;I’man an opportunitytoplay. Ineedtoplaymy that’s whatIrememberwheneverget showing forthatparticularmoment. want tobetomorrowandwhatyouare where you'recomingfrom,whatyou says. ‘Italsorequiresonetoconsider I keepmyjobandonplaying,’he more anddofortheteamsothat a hardworker, andit’s easyformetorun work ethic. has beencreditedforhisoutstanding the sideasaresult.Histoughupbringing and dedicationhasoftencaptained to histeammatesthroughhardwork a regularfortheteam. the Chiefsbackfourhasensuredheis ability tomopupanydangerinfrontof 16 goalsandprovidedsevenassists,his outings. Althoughhehasscoredonly has representedChiefsinalmost300 Premiership titles,anMTN8crownand Chiefs camecallinginAugust2011. the MotherCitybeforeSowetogiants However, hespentjustoneseasonin a decadeago,joiningAjaxCapeTown. I PERFORM’ WHENEVER IGETACHANCE, AND TAKE ITFORGRANTED. JEOPARDISE MYJOB ‘I WOULD NEVER ‘I would never jeopardise my job and ‘I wouldneverjeopardisemyjoband ‘My upbringingwasabittoughand ‘It’s easyforpeopletosayKatsandeis Katsande hasbecomeanexample The midfielderhaswontwoAbsa made the move to South Africa made themovetoSouthAfrica has growneveryyear. as theheartofAmakhosi’s midfield Willard Katsande.Hisinfluence here arefewmidfielderslike The tough-tackling Zimbabwean The tough-tacklingZimbabwean CLOCKING UP *Correct at20February Katsande’s minutesplayed inthePSLby seasonatChiefs 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 972 1 193* 1 905 1 998 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 2 363 2 370 2 430 2 475 2 520 2020/02/24 11:58AM 13 WILLARDKATSANDE

terms of talent but never doubt contract was terminated in January 2020 broken in your house, why do you need my work. I always give my all.’ after just six months. to change it?’ Acknowledging his limitations and Anthony Akumu, from Zambian outfit The old saying is you can’t buy showing an undoubted commitment Zesco United, was then also signed on experience and in Katsande Chiefs have to the cause are, in fact, Katsande’s a free transfer. The jury is still out, though, someone with all the knowledge and work biggest strengths. on his capabilities in trying to fill Katsande’s ethic to guide the team into a new era. Chiefs have been trying to acquire a shoes. The lack of options, combined with long-term replacement for the 34-year- Katsande’s importance to the team, brought old Zimbabwean, now in the twilight of him yet another contract extension to the his career. First Ghanaian international end of the 2020-21 season. James Kotei was brought in on a free Even at 34, the midfield hardman transfer from Tanzanian side Simba FC still looks to have plenty left in the tank. but did not take the field before his Patrick Mabedi, former Chiefs player and assistant coach, believes Katsande has looked after himself well enough to continue at the top level. ‘He has been the backbone of the team. People must remember the contribution he makes. He’s the type of player who has some years left. Don’t write him off, he’s evergreen. ‘Football is all about how you look after yourself and how you manage yourself. We make a mistake here in Africa by sometimes judging players The number of yellow cards by age. He still has the legs to go on. 55Chiefs’ enforcer has picked up in the PSL, with only one Why do you need to let go of somebody

dismissal in nine seasons who is doing well? If something is not SYDNEY MAHLANGU/MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX

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FSC Katsande.indd 14 2020/02/24 11:58 AM WILLARDKATSANDE Ref’srap Stopping Daniel Bennett the Rot former referee

football associations over the appointment and performance evaluation of the referees. Many team owners in the Caf competitions have a seat on the referees’ committee and they often try to engineer favourable appointments or decisions from match officials. The introduction of well-paid, professional referees should help prevent any intervention by members of committees or teams. Equally important, the system of appointing referees will be discarded in favour of an independent panel of experts that will appoint match officials. This elite panel will be performance- terms of talent but never doubt contract was terminated in January 2020 broken in your house, why do you need driven so those who are not up to scratch my work. I always give my all.’ after just six months. to change it?’ will be axed. Acknowledging his limitations and Anthony Akumu, from Zambian outfit The old saying is you can’t buy Although the introduction of professional showing an undoubted commitment Zesco United, was then also signed on experience and in Katsande Chiefs have contracts for match officials is a good way to the cause are, in fact, Katsande’s a free transfer. The jury is still out, though, someone with all the knowledge and work of cleaning up the game in Africa, it will biggest strengths. on his capabilities in trying to fill Katsande’s ethic to guide the team into a new era. not tackle the intimidation that often Chiefs have been trying to acquire a shoes. The lack of options, combined with occurs when the home team loses. long-term replacement for the 34-year- Katsande’s importance to the team, brought I have experienced the gauntlet referees old Zimbabwean, now in the twilight of him yet another contract extension to the sometimes have to run at airports. Often his career. First Ghanaian international end of the 2020-21 season. it is not only the public but also the airport James Kotei was brought in on a free Even at 34, the midfield hardman he announcement by Fifa president and airline staff and security officials who transfer from Tanzanian side Simba FC still looks to have plenty left in the tank. Gianni Infantino that Africa’s top 20 intRoDucing a caDRe of join in the abuse. but did not take the field before his Patrick Mabedi, former Chiefs player T referees will be awarded permanent The introduction of VAR will help monitor and assistant coach, believes Katsande professional contracts, financed by world pRofessional RefeRees referees’ performances, as there is an has looked after himself well enough to football’s governing body, bodes well for is a BolD But long opportunity to correct mistakes. However, continue at the top level. the future of the game in Africa. it is difficult in Africa when it comes to VAR ‘He has been the backbone of the team. The scourge of bribery and match-fixing oveRDue step as disgruntled fans can find out where the People must remember the contribution in continental competitions is well-known. technical operation room is and disrupt he makes. He’s the type of player who While several referees have received lifetime to ensure no money changes hands the feed so it cannot be used. has some years left. Don’t write him off, bans, there are still incidents of match between the referees and the clubs This happened in the second leg of he’s evergreen. officials being offered bribes to fix matches. or national teams before the game. last year’s Caf Champions League final ‘Football is all about how you look Caf’s initial response to this problem was Fifa’s drive to eradicate corruption between Wydad Casablanca and Esperance AGEpI x after yourself and how you manage to raise the daily allowance from $750 to includes referees signing a declaration in Tunis. Esperance was awarded the title yourself. We make a mistake here in $1 250 per match. to report any suspicious activity to an after Wydad refused to continue playing u/B AC kp Africa by sometimes judging players G They also changed the system of home anonymous hotline. after an hour because VAR was unavailable The number of yellow cards by age. He still has the legs to go on. teams paying the referees their fee at the Introducing a cadre of professional to judge a disallowed equaliser.

55Chiefs’ enforcer has picked y M AHLA n up in the PSL, with only one Why do you need to let go of somebody pre-match meeting. Instead, the payment referees is a bold but long overdue step It’s a positive first step from Fifa and SYDNEY MAHLANGU/MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX dismissal in nine seasons who is doing well? If something is not Sydn E is now made via electronic transfer by Caf to curb the influence of teams and national Caf but much more needs to be done.

14 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za 15

FSC Katsande.indd 14 2020/02/24 11:58 AM Ref's rap.indd 15 2020/02/21 7:27 AM Kingmakers At this stage last season, Maritzburg United were on the verge of relegation. This time they potentially hold the key to the outcome of the title race. By Mogamad Allie

efore Maritburg united’s clash against kaier Chiefs on 15 February, Mamelodi Sundowns coach urged them to do the chasing pack a favour by taking points Boff the season’s runaway leaders. If they failed, Chiefs’ lead would stretch to 10 points with nine games to play. ’s side duly obliged by shocking Amakhosi 2-1 to open up the title race. That defeat, only the Glamour Boys’ third of the season, provided hope for Sundowns, Wits and even Orlando pirates, who hit a purple patch under new coach osef innbauer. The victory came just three days after Maritburg united dented Wits’ hopes of closing the gap on the leaders with a 1-0 win. now Chiefs will be hoping the kwaulu- natal side continue their good run against the big teams when hosting Sundowns on

April and playing Wits again six days later. SAMuEL SHIVAMBu//BACkpAGEpIx

16 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

PSL Preview.indd 16 2020/02/24 3:10 PM PSLPREVIEW Kingmakers At this stage last season, Maritzburg United were on the verge of relegation. This time they potentially hold the key CHIEFS WILL BE HOPING THE KWAZULU NATAL SIDE to the outcome of the title CONTINUE THEIR GOOD RUN AGAINST THE BIG TEAMS race. By Mogamad Allie Recent history, though, favours Sundowns, the sides show there’s very little to choose who last lost against the Team of Choice in between them. Chiefs have won four and the league on 2 September 2012. On that Sundowns three in their last 10 league efore Maritburg united’s occasion, former Bafana Bafana meetings, with three ending in a draw. clash against kaier Chiefs netted a classy brace in Chiefs’ 2-0 win in the first half of the on 15 February, Mamelodi the 2-1 win at the Lucas Masterpieces’ premiership at Loftus Versfeld in October Sundowns coach pitso Mosimane Moripe Stadium. was marred by controversy and Mosimane urged them to do the chasing Wits, whose first-round loss was their first has attempted to add more pressure on pack a favour by taking points in 10 league games against Maritburg, will ’s side. He suggested Boff the season’s runaway leaders. If they be wary of opponents who if they retain they should comfortably win the title failed, Chiefs’ lead would stretch to 10 their recent form could match their lofty due to their absence from continental points with nine games to play. fourth-place finish of two seasons ago. competition this season. Eric Tinkler’s side duly obliged by Chiefs face their two main challengers It is like I am at school and doing 10 shocking Amakhosi 2-1 to open up the in the space of nine days in fixtures courses and you are doing three or four. title race. That defeat, only the Glamour that had to be rescheduled because At the end of the year you must pass Boys’ third of the season, provided hope of Sundowns and Wits’ commitments because you only did three,’ he told for Sundowns, Wits and even Orlando to Caf continental competitions. The the media in February. pirates, who hit a purple patch under outcome of both is bound to have Similarly, Chiefs’ clash against Wits new coach osef innbauer. a major bearing on whether Amakhosi nine days later is sure to have a major The victory came just three days after are able to give themselves the perfect bearing on both teams’ title hopes. With Maritburg united dented Wits’ hopes 50th anniversary present by breaking these high-stakes encounters, fans are of closing the gap on the leaders with their five-year trophy drought. in for a treat as the race to the title enters a 1-0 win. The clash between the Glamour Boys an exciting finale. now Chiefs will be hoping the kwaulu- and Masandawana at the FnB Stadium natal side continue their good run against on 15 April has the makings of a cup final CHECK US OUT AT the big teams when hosting Sundowns on as Sundowns continue to chip away at WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA SAMuEL SHIVAMBu//BACkpAGEpIx April and playing Wits again six days later. xxxxx Chiefs’ lead. Recent meetings between

16 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

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[pullquote] ‘We have very high expectations of Thembi’ – Fernando Tavares, Benfica vice-president

[headline] headline act

[Blurb] Banyana Bafana star Thembi kgatlana’s latest move has laid the platform for a major impact. By nick Said [copy] portuguese giants Benfica were delighted with their capture of Thembi kgatlana, on whom they have pinned their hopes to win the domestic league title this season. kgatlana signed for the club in January, following spells at houston dash in the american national Women’s Soccer league and Beijing Bg phoenix in Headline china. it is another impressive addition to her cV and Benfica’s vice-president, Fernando Tavares, says they believe kgatlana will take them to new heights. Banyana Banyana star Thembi ‘We have very high expectations of Thembi,’ he said. ‘She was the african player of the year in 2018, she is a player with very Kgatlana’s latest move has strong characteristics. She is very fast, she can play more than one position, she can play at 9 and be extreme. This acquisition will laid the platform for a major give Benfica’s attack more options.’ kgatlana was the third Banyana Banyana player to move impact. By Nick Said overseas in the January transfer window, after linda Motlhalo, who Act was with kgatlana at dash and phoenix, signed for Swedish side djurgardens. it is the same club where former Banyana midfielder W? Stephanie Malherbe spent the 2019 season before a serious injury DiD you KNo cut her stay short. In 2018, Kgatlana walked kelso peskin, fresh from a sterling career in college football in away with the title of the uSa, has signed for French second-tier side Toulouse, her first Caf Women’s Player professional club. it is a big move for the striker, who will want to of the Year. grasp the opportunity to shine on the european stage and perhaps open doors to bigger moves. national coach desiree ellis believes the transfers will benefit the players and the country. ‘The experience of playing in europe isn’t something you can buy. i am very happy for our players because the country will ortuguese giants Benfica were benefit,’ she said. ‘Thembi and linda have been playing overseas for a while now, delighted with their capture of ‘We have very high expectatioNS oF thembi’ but it will be their first time in europe and they have a chance to Thembi kgatlana, on whom play [ Women’s] champions league. great opportunities lie they have pinned their hopes of – FerNaNDo tavareS ahead.’ winning the domestic league title be extreme. This acquisition will give for the striker, who will want to grasp the this season. kgatlana signed for Benfica’s attack more options.’ opportunity to shine on the european stage [Sidebar] Pthe club in January, after spells at houston kgatlana was the third Banyana Banyana and perhaps open doors to bigger moves. do you remember in 2018, Thembi kgatlana walked away with the title of caf dash in the american national Women’s player to move to europe in the January national coach desiree ellis believes Women’s player of the year Soccer league and Beijing Bg phoenix transfer window, after linda Motlhalo, who the overseas transfers will benefit the in china. it is another impressive addition was with kgatlana at dash and phoenix, players and the country. to her cV and Benfica’s vice-president, signed for Swedish side djurgardens. it ‘The experience of playing in europe Fernando Tavares, says they believe is the same club where former Banyana isn’t something you can buy. i am happy ix kgatlana will take them to new heights. midfielder Stephanie Malherbe spent the for our players because the country will ‘We have very high expectations of 2019 season before a serious injury cut benefit,’ she said. Thembi,’ he said. ‘She was the african her stay short. ‘Thembi and linda have been playing player of the year in 2018, she is a kelso peskin, fresh from a sterling career overseas for a while but it will be their first player with strong characteristics. She in college football in the uS, has signed time in europe. They have a chance to play is very fast, she can play more than for French second-tier side Toulouse, her [uefa Women’s] champions league. great

p Sydney Mahlangu/Backpage one position, she can play at 9 and first professional club. it is a big move opportunities lie ahead.’

www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za 19

FSC women's feature.indd 19 2020/02/27 9:54 AM DEANFURMAN

Caughtin the Middle Dean Furman admits he is unsure about the next step in his club career but his commitment to Bafana Bafana is clear. By Mazola Molefe

uperSport United captain Dean We will have to try to find the best solution Furman is moving on after five with whatever club wants to sign me.’ years with the Tshwane outfit Furman has been a model professional to be closer to his family in the at SuperSport and Bafana, being one of the UK. While the club attempts first names on the team sheet under all the to persuade the 31-year-old national coaches dating back to 2012. His Sto delay his departure, what lies ahead international career is important to him. when he returns to England – where But leaving the he grew up – remains unclear. as he turns 32 means his chances of ‘I am going to have to sit down with playing top-flight football could be limited. whatever club I join and discuss my international future,’ says Furman, FAST who has more than 50 Bafana caps and who has been included in three FACTS Africa Cup of Nations squads. FULL NAME: Dean Furman ‘Afcon has been moved from mid- year to January in 2021 and I took DATE OF BIRTH: 22 June 1988 particular note of Jurgen Klopp’s PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Town, South Africa comments about how that is not good HEIGHT: 1.83m for players in Europe. It will become POSITION: Midfielder a club-versus-country row, which has PREVIOUS CLUBS: Chelsea, Rangers, Bradford

been going on for years. GERHARD DURAAN/SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX City, Oldham Athletic, Doncaster Rovers

20-22.indd 20 2020/02/25 9:25 AM DEANFURMAN DEANFURMAN

Caughtin the Middle Dean Furman admits he is unsure about the next step in his club career but his commitment to Bafana Bafana is clear. By Mazola Molefe

uperSport United captain Dean We will have to try to find the best solution Furman is moving on after five with whatever club wants to sign me.’ years with the Tshwane outfit Furman has been a model professional to be closer to his family in the at SuperSport and Bafana, being one of the UK. While the club attempts first names on the team sheet under all the to persuade the 31-year-old national coaches dating back to 2012. His Sto delay his departure, what lies ahead international career is important to him. when he returns to England – where But leaving the Premier Soccer League he grew up – remains unclear. as he turns 32 means his chances of ‘I am going to have to sit down with playing top-flight football could be limited. whatever club I join and discuss my international future,’ says Furman, FAST who has more than 50 Bafana caps and who has been included in three FACTS Africa Cup of Nations squads. FULL NAME: Dean Furman ‘Afcon has been moved from mid- year to January in 2021 and I took DATE OF BIRTH: 22 June 1988 particular note of Jurgen Klopp’s PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Town, South Africa comments about how that is not good HEIGHT: 1.83m for players in Europe. It will become POSITION: Midfielder a club-versus-country row, which has PREVIOUS CLUBS: Chelsea, Rangers, Bradford been going on for years. GERHARD DURAAN/SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX City, Oldham Athletic, Doncaster Rovers

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20-22.indd 20 2020/02/25 9:25 AM 20-22.indd 21 2020/02/25 9:25 AM DeanFurman

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‘Some leagues in the UK do not have an international break, so that makes it even more difficult,’ says Furman. 10h39 ‘I have been in this situation when I played for Oldham Athletic 22 February 2019 and Doncaster Rovers. It was right at the start of my Bafana career and it was difficult. The real issue was R149.99 that we would play on a Saturday and a Tuesday, which means I was catching Markham DiD You Know? a flight back to Europe on a Wednesday Woodstock The hard-working midfielder had to wait night and missing training, only joining four years between his my team on Friday. international call-up ‘It’s hard for the coach to throw you and earning his first cap in, especially when the team is doing for the national team. well. My coaches at the time were Furman was added to the SA squad to face understanding and encouraged me to Australia in 2008 but play for my national team but I had to only played for the first keep fighting for my place. Playing for time against Brazil in my country is important to me – losing 2012. He scored his first international goal a year my place in the club team was worth it.’ later against Botswana. SuperSport are still trying to change his mind and convince him to stay for

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at least one more season. Coach Kaitano I P Tembo admitted the club would have E SMS ‘FA’ & your TFG account number to 45387. to change the way they play when the midfielder leaves. Standard SMS rates apply. ‘It’s a fantastic compliment from the coach,’ says Furman.

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For only R4.50 per month charged to your BEST STADIUM Idas alley. was TFG account, you can receive SMS alerts sent overwhelming but the community around to your cellphone every time a purchase of more the Idas alley Sports Stadium always than R100 is made using your TFG account supported us and that has played a card, providing you with details on the value of big role in the success of the club. the purchase made on your TFG account, and when and where it was made. MEMORABLE CAREER MOMENT There are two occasions that stand Furman has been a moDel out. The first was receiving Player of the Tournament at a national provincial proFessional at supersport competition in Durban where I played LOCAL PLAYER for the USSA U team. The second will anD baFana, being one oF the My favourite is Keagan Buchanan, have to be signing my first professional who plays for Maritburg United. First names on the team sheet contract at Stellenbosch FC.

‘Some leagues in the UK do not have an international break, so that makes it even more difficult,’ says Furman. 10h39 ‘I have been in this situation when I played for Oldham Athletic 22 February 2019 BEST YOUNG TALENT IN PSL and Doncaster Rovers. It was right at the start of my Bafana career Three good friends of mine, uke Fleurs, and it was difficult. The real issue was R149.99 Iraam Rayners and kanyiso ungu, that we would play on a Saturday and are extremely talented players who are a Tuesday, which means I was catching Markham proving themselves in the top flight. DiD You Know? a flight back to Europe on a Wednesday Woodstock The hard-working night and missing training, only joining BEST SENIOR PLAYER IN THE PSL midfielder had to wait four years between his my team on Friday. It must be Robyn ohannes. Working international call-up ‘It’s hard for the coach to throw you with him on a daily basis has taught and earning his first cap in, especially when the team is doing me a lot. e’s a true professional and for the national team. well. My coaches at the time were has had a very successful career. It’s Furman was added to the SA squad to face understanding and encouraged me to BOOTS proof that hard work pays off. Australia in 2008 but play for my national team but I had to only played for the first keep fighting for my place. Playing for time against Brazil in my country is important to me – losing ADIDAS X 19.1 2012. He scored his first international goal a year my place in the club team was worth it.’ later against Botswana. SuperSport are still trying to change WAYS TO RELAX his mind and convince him to stay for When I’m not playing or recovering, I’ll

x TO SUBSCRIBE be in the gym working out or spending at least one more season. Coach Kaitano I P Tembo admitted the club would have E SMS ‘FA’ & your TFG account number to 45387. time with my girlfriend, Summer Maria. to change the way they play when the midfielder leaves. Standard SMS rates apply. I also run a clothing brand, SporadicSA, ‘It’s a fantastic compliment from the coach,’ says Furman. which takes up uite a lot of my time.

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MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX 26-28.indd 26 in a transfer request and, with his contract in atransferrequestand,withhiscontract the matchdaysquad. disappointingly, hardlymade start aChiefsmatchafterthatand,more win atHighlandsParkinAugust.Hedidn’t in thefirstfixtureofthisseason,a3-2away because thedefenderplayedafullmatch being recalledfromhisloanspellatCeltic. January transferwindow, justmonthsafter one ofeightgamesandwasletgointhe A at Amakhosiexpiringinamatter of This prompted him to hand This promptedhimtohand The snubbyMiddendorpwasstrange months, Chiefs had little choice but to to months, Chiefshadlittlechoicebut grant himhiswishtoleave. Gordinho said. ‘I had to make a Gordinho said.‘Ihadtomakea ‘It didn’t work for me at Chiefs,’ ‘It didn’tworkformeatChiefs,’ decision, which they supported decision, whichtheysupported Middendorp. He started just Middendorp. Hestartedjust by AmakhosicoachErnst Gordinho wasvirtuallyignored and KaizerChiefs,Lorenzo between BloemfonteinCeltic fter beingcaughtinatug-of-war because they wanted to see me because theywantedtoseeme grow asaplayer.’ In January, heemergedat Clever Clever Clever 2020/02/26 1:15PM

MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX 26-28.indd 27 IN HISOWN WORDS idest played inalontime,sowhen me feeloodorconfidenthadnt Chiefs ysituationwasn’tmakin thinkitwasaneasydecision to leae really welcomin’ adapted welltheuyshaebeen leaue downtothewirethinkhae think ifwedothatwilltakethe all threepointseeryame,and about anythinelsebutonettin e haetoberesultbased,notworry has beenoinreallywellsofar’ this pointintheleaueerythin their ob,whichiswhatyouneedat eryone isprofessionalanddoes away’ all theremaininames,homeand we haetoetmaimumpointsfrom amhappytobepartofitthink workin reallyhardtowintheleaue end oftheseasonandeeryoneis now, wehaeaoalinmindforthe team eryoneisfeelinoodriht reception fromtheuysand ood tomehaeenoyeda y newteammateshaebeenreally Gordinho onhisshockmove toWits R9-million fiure forthefirst timesinceitspeakinanuary ordinho’s marketaluehasdippedbelow thedoublediit Move Chiefs recallendedindisappointment.By NkarengMatshe Lorenzo Gordinhohasfound anew spiritualhomeaft erhis Kaizer GORDINHO LORENZO WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 2020/02/26 1:15PM 27 LORENZOGORDINHO ACCOUNT BALANCE PROTECTION

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FREED FROM CHIEFS AFTER AN INEXPLICABLE TIME ON THE SIDELINES, GORDINHO HAS TO REDISCOVER HIMSELF

Bidvest Wits and has already demonstrated his competence. He won a starting berth in Gavin Hunt’s XI when Wits faced INTERESTED? Orlando Pirates in the first round of the on 9 SMS “ABP” and your February, playing a full 120 minutes alongside Buhle Mkhwanazi TFG store account and . He announced himself by scoring number to 45387 the winning penalty that booked a place in the next round. for a call back (standard SMS Chiefs responded with social media banter, tweeting a rates apply) photo of Gordinho celebrating a previous goal in the club’s colours. But matters are about to become serious now. Freed from Chiefs after an inexplicable time on the sidelines, he has to rediscover himself. The monthly premium is 30c for every R100 you owe on Gordinho is just 25, probably still a couple of years off his your TFG store account, billed to your TFG store account. peak. Wits have given him a two-and-a-half-year deal during which time he’ll be expected to cement his place in the team Terms and conditions apply and can be viewed at and probably earn a Bafana recall. www.tfginsurance.co.za. While Chiefs’ dominance of the PSL this season justifies Middendorp’s decision to trust and Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial as his central pairing, it can be said that Amakhosi were not services provider. Insurance is underwritten by Guardrisk particularly fair to Gordinho, who had played 30 games, most Life Limited, an authorised financial services provider. as a starter, at Celtic in 2018 before his loan spell was cut short. Nevertheless, Gordinho is slowly regaining form and is starting

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28 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

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ABP 1/2.indd 1 2020/02/11 10:00 AM TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WITH OUR CROSSWORD

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DOWN ACROSS 1. This German midfielder joined the 4. This French side won the first 8. Fifa’s Goal of the ear award is 100-appearances club in October 2019 Champions League after the named after this Hungary legend. and marked the occasion with a goal. competition’s rebranding from He and Alfredo Di Stefano share Only four others have achieved this. the European Cup in 1993. the record of most goals scored 2. Along with Spain, this nation has produced 6. This former Spain captain in Champions League finals. a record-eualling 13 participants in the and goalkeeper still heads 10. This Italian powerhouse ranks Champions League, with England and the list for most appearances second in terms of trophies won, Italy on 10. in the tournament. but haven’t won it since 200. 3. This Portugal star ended as the top scorer in seven seasons, including a record- HANSVONK S ISSUE 114 H T breaking 1 strikes in 2015-1. M ATTHE W B O OTH M H V 5. Name the reigning champions, from SOLUTION G E O R G E M ALULEK A T B L N England, who have won the European R N I A P C ALVINM A R L IN I blockbuster on six occasions. V Z L I E I E I S N 7. The most successful side in Champions M OSAL EBUSA E A E A G R T R A League history with a record 13 titles. R A E R A L R 9. This goal-poacher sits third on the all-time H L O goal-scorer’s list behind onaldo and Messi. A I M E

SASCHA STEINBACH/ULLSTEIN BILD DTL/BACKPAGEPIX/GETT IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES SASCHA STEINBACH/ULLSTEIN BILD DTL/BACKPAGEPIX/GETT He hung up his boots in 2015.

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FSC crossword.indd 29 2020/02/27 9:08 AM Haaland.indd 30 ERLING BRAUT HAALAND 2020/02/26 12:25PM Haaland.indd 30 ERLING BRAUT HAALAND 2020/02/26 12:25PM Haaland.indd 31

FAST FACTS Date of birth: 21 July 2000 Place of birth: Leeds, United Kingdom Height: 1.94m Nationality: Norwegian FLYING START Haaland is the first player in German top-flight history to reach nine goals in six appearances. He didn’t stop there either, hitting the back of the net 12 times in his first eight competitive games for Dortmund. ONE TO REMEMBER Haaland has scored 40 goals in 30 games

2020/02/26 12:25PM for Salzburg and Dortmund combined this season*. On average, he scores a goal every 50 minutes he’s on the field. LAS BAON/GETT IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES LAS BAON/GETT IMAGES/GALLO *Correct at 26 February 2020 NkaNyisoZungu SoundFuture orlando Pirates have moulded their squad into an ultra-competitive unit, aided by the arrival of dynamic midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu. By nick Said

kanyiso zungu’s move from a great achievement to have played a role to the second tier and instantly became stellenbosch FC to orlando in his development and we wish him well. a first-team regular. he featured in 27 of pirates late in the January ‘We also want to be a club in years their 30 league games in his first season. transfer window may have come to come when the opposite will happen, he found the going tougher when the club as a surprise to some, but not when young players will want to come to returned to the top flight after purchasing to those who have watched us because we are challenging for honours. the premiership status of thanda royal Nthe midfielder in the past few seasons. For now, we know where we are, we know zulu and spent some time on loan at Jomo zungu was brought in as replacement what we need to do and keep at it.’ Cosmos before being released by usuthu. for Musa Nyatama, who found his game zungu made his debut for amazulu zungu’s impressive frame provides time limited and left for highlands park in august 2015 after the club’s relegation a physical presence in the midfield and after negotiating a release from his contract. pirates essentially swapped the 32-year-old Nyatama for zungu, who is eight years his junior and a player who presents more of a long-term prospect. Zungu’S impreSSive he has come on in leaps and bounds over the past 18 months, having signed frame provideS a for then gladafrica Championship side stellenbosch as a free agent after being phySical preSence in released by amazulu before the 2018-19 the midfield and he campaign. pirates triggered the release clause in zungu’s contract to secure his haS an excellent ix signature in the final days of the January paSSing range and p kpage

transfer window. thankfully, there have not C a been any hard feelings from stellenbosch good work rate CC o/ b i

coach steve barker. r ‘We want to develop players and if they can go on and play at a higher level and for national teams, we feel we are adding bela/Chris value,’ barker said. ‘For us, a player like

zungu going to pirates is not a blow, it is Muzi Nto M

FSC Zungu.indd 32 2020/02/26 1:49 PM NkaNyisoZungu

Stepping up for the bucS Fortune Makaringe Makaringe arrived from Maritzburg United at the start of the 2019-20 season and has been excellent for Pirates this campaign. innoncent Maela Sound Maela joined Pirates from Thanda Royal Zulu before the 2017-18 season and has missed only a handful of games since. He also won a call-up to the Bafana squad. Future theMbinkosi lorch Lorch arrived at Pirates from Chippa orlando Pirates have moulded their squad into an ultra-competitive unit, United in January 2017 and slotted in immediately, winning the PSL Footballer of the Season in the aided by the arrival of dynamic midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu. By nick Said 2018-19 campaign.

kanyiso zungu’s move from a great achievement to have played a role to the second tier and instantly became he has an excellent passing range and stellenbosch FC to orlando in his development and we wish him well. a first-team regular. he featured in 27 of good work rate. his biggest challenge pirates late in the January ‘We also want to be a club in years their 30 league games in his first season. will perhaps be adapting to the higher transfer window may have come to come when the opposite will happen, he found the going tougher when the club levels of expectation at pirates. as a surprise to some, but not when young players will want to come to returned to the top flight after purchasing ‘he has undoubted quality and has to those who have watched us because we are challenging for honours. the premiership status of thanda royal been very impressive for us,’ barker says. Nthe midfielder in the past few seasons. For now, we know where we are, we know zulu and spent some time on loan at Jomo ‘he is not afraid to put himself about and zungu was brought in as replacement what we need to do and keep at it.’ Cosmos before being released by usuthu. works hard for the team. i have no doubt for Musa Nyatama, who found his game zungu made his debut for amazulu zungu’s impressive frame provides he can be a big success.’ time limited and left for highlands park in august 2015 after the club’s relegation a physical presence in the midfield and in the wake of his move it was said after negotiating a release from his zungu was joining his boyhood club who contract. pirates essentially swapped the he supported and has harboured dreams 32-year-old Nyatama for zungu, who is of playing for – a well-worn soundbite eight years his junior and a player who from many a new player. What is certain, presents more of a long-term prospect. Zungu’S impreSSive though, is this is the biggest opportunity he has come on in leaps and bounds of his career to stake a claim for national over the past 18 months, having signed frame provideS a team honours. for then gladafrica Championship side stellenbosch as a free agent after being phySical preSence in released by amazulu before the 2018-19 the midfield and he campaign. pirates triggered the release clause in zungu’s contract to secure his haS an excellent ix signature in the final days of the January paSSing range and p kpage

transfer window. thankfully, there have not C a been any hard feelings from stellenbosch good work rate CC o/ b i

coach steve barker. r ‘We want to develop players and if they R3Nkanyiso Zungu’s transfer 278 valuation, the highest it has been.640 Pirates can go on and play at a higher level and will be hoping his stock continues to rise over the next few seasons check uS out at for national teams, we feel we are adding bela/Chris www.facebook.com/ value,’ barker said. ‘For us, a player like

zungu going to pirates is not a blow, it is Muzi Nto M tfgSoccerclub

www.tfgsoccercluB.co.Za 33

FSC Zungu.indd 32 2020/02/26 1:49 PM FSC Zungu.indd 33 2020/02/26 1:49 PM NUMBERSGAME

SoccerClub rounds up the numbers after Marcus Rashford’s 200th senior oFigure Manchester United appearance

espite an unfortunate t years injury midway through old, ashford he lightning- the - campaign, has reached quick forward he had already racked up a double-digit joined the ed goals and five assists premier eague evils’ youth in appearances by goal tally in two academy at 2016 the end of ebruary. campaigns. the age of . 2016he year the young star made 2 his debut, in some fashion, with 19 a brace against idtjylland ashford has made a habit of scoring on debut7, in the uropa eague. having done so in his first senior start, against idtjylland his league debut, against rsenal and marked his first anchester erby with a t , he is the third- strike. he also scored in his first up game youngest player to reach for the club, as well as his first hampions eague games for nited match. o complete the list, he also scored on his behind yan iggs international debut in . and eorge best. Wayne ooney was bumped from the 3 ngland record books when, at years and days, ashford became the youngest 11 player to represent ngland at the uropean hampionships. ih i i i GOALS AFTER 200 GAMES 6464 5050 4747 ASSISTS 3131 3131 4141 MARCUS RASHFORD

34 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

34.indd 34 2020/02/28 8:58 AM NUMBERSGAME HakimZiyech

SoccerClub rounds up the numbers after Marcus Rashford’s 200th senior oFigure Manchester United appearance

espite an unfortunate t years injury midway through old, ashford he lightning- the - campaign, has reached quick forward he had already racked up a double-digit joined the ed goals and five assists premier eague evils’ youth in appearances by goal tally in two academy at 2016 the end of ebruary. campaigns. the age of . 2016he year the young star made 2 his debut, in some fashion, with 19 a brace against idtjylland ashford has made a habit of scoring on debut7, in the uropa eague. having done so in his first senior start, against idtjylland his league debut, against rsenal and marked his first anchester erby with a t , he is the third- strike. he also scored in his first up game youngest player to reach for the club, as well as his first hampions eague games for nited match. o complete the list, he also scored on his behind yan iggs international debut in . and eorge best. Wayne ooney was bumped from the 3 ngland record books when, at years and days, ashford became the youngest 11 player to represent ngland at the uropean hampionships. ih i i i GOALS AFTER 200 GAMES

here are few observers of African football unaware of the skills of Expecting Moroccan wing Hakim Ziyech. 6464 5050 4747 Those in the know are comfortable with the £33.4-million coughed

x up by chelsea for Ziyech in Frank gep I ASSISTS A TLampard’s first deal since taking charge of the Blues. And it’s no gamble. He has scored 49 Excellence times for Ajax in the past three seasons Another African star, Hakim Ziyech, is en route to the and contributed more than 20 assists in 3131 3131 4141 each of the those campaigns. Any side

MARCUS RASHFORD THIERRY HENRY CRISTIANO RONALDO SOTIRIS BARBAROUSIS/ BA ckp with high hopes. By Wade Pretorius would be lucky to have him and such

34 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za 35

34.indd 34 2020/02/28 8:58 AM 35-36.indd 35 2020/02/26 12:21 PM HakimZiyech

was the desire from the W? chelsea director Marina higher-ups at Stamford Bridge DiD yoU kno granovskaia revealed they ‘he hAS ConSiStently to secure the deal early, they Ziyech chose to faced stiff competition for been one of the MoSt allowed the dutch side the represent Morocco over the Moroccan playmaker’s privilege of having Ziyech the Netherlands, who signature. ‘We are delighted DAngeroUS AttACking see out the rest of the season he represented at age Hakim will be joining us, having group level, in 2015. on loan in the eredivisie. He been a key target of the club’s PlAyerS in eUroPe will remain in Holland until in this last window,’ she said. in reCent yeArS’ – 1 July before joining up with the ‘He has consistently been Blues’ squad and fighting for his one of the most dangerous MArinA grAnovSkAiA place in the team for the 2020-21 season. attacking players in europe in recent years, ‘I am looking forward to next season and which we saw first-hand in our two games texted a lot. He told me the champions hope we can achieve great things together,’ against Ajax in the champions League.’ League matches against chelsea helped, Ziyech said. If he does go on to be a success, the but he had been following me for a while. club’s fans will have their manager to ‘January wasn’t the right moment,’ he thank for persuading the added. ‘Of course we had contact in the Moving on replacement to commit to the Londoners. winter but that didn’t go through. I am ‘I’ve been in contact with Lampard happy the news is out and it’s formalised. The attacker played for Heerenveen and FC Twente before joining Ajax for a few weeks now, at first mainly by I’m really looking forward to it and I’m Amsterdam in 2016. phone,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘We had going to enjoy the coming months here. x a few long conversations about his ‘I can learn a lot from him and I have gep I approach, the playing style, the club, a lot to learn. I had a good feeling after A

about me personally. And later on we our talks and that feeling only became BA ckp stronger. There was no doubt in my mind.’ ST een / n

There are few doubts about his potential A v and, under Lampard, he could be the next African export to show the biggest stage in Ziyech scored against Chelsea club football that he is the real deal. rivals Tottenham in both legs of n de v UURST /MAURI ce Ajax’s Champions CheCk US oUt At A League semi-final

WWW.tfgSoCCerClUb.Co.zA OUIS v 2 loss last season. L

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35-36.indd 36 2020/02/26 12:21 PM xxxx

COACH’SCORNER

efore it became fashionable to elevate young South African coaches to the top echelons of local football, Clinton Larsen was already making strides with Celtic. Daunting BIn 2010, aged 39, Larsen was a surprise choice as Celtic’s head coach, a move which at the time looked as crazy as it was risky. He was the youngest to assume a PSL hotseat, a record broken only last year when Rulani Mokwena took interim charge of Orlando Pirates aged 31. Now he is at struggling Polokwane City and will have to draw on his vast Task experience to keep them afloat. At least Larsen has history on his Clinton Larsen has been there and done it all in his short career, side. He served as assistant coach to in 2010 and, tired and he has the grey hairs to show for it. By Nkareng Matshe of recycling failed coaches, the Celtic management felt he was worth the risk of a promotion. He didn’t disappoint. SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX

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37-38.indd 37 2020/02/24 07:31 COACH’SCORNER HE IS AT STRUGGLING POLOKWANE CITY AND WILL HAVE TO DRAW ON HIS VAST EXPERIENCE TO KEEP THEM AFLOAT

The Durban-born former Orlando Pirates and Manning Rangers midfielder stabilised a shaky ship and, within two years, they won their first major trophy since 2005. He led Siwelele to a triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns in December 2012. The result ended the reign of Johan Neeskens at Chloorkop and triggered the appointment of Pitso Mosimane. It further confirmed Larsen’s credentials as a promising young coach. He stayed at Celtic for three years before he was recruited by Maritzburg United who were in dire relegation straits. Unfortunately for him, things didn’t work out too well and his nine games returned one victory before he was let go in early January 2014. Larsent spent a few months in the wilderness of the National First Division, coaching Roses United, only for Celtic to come calling again. But this time his spell with Siwelele didn’t last as long, in his managerial career, eclipsing his first had led the club to a second successive ending after just 30 matches. He was stay at Celtic by two matches. It was at the top-eight finish. They haven’t achieved soon headhunted by Golden Arrows. Lamontville club where his skill as a talent- it again. In charge for 107 games between spotter and astute manager really came He re-emerged at Chippa United, December 2015 and December 2018, to the fore because of the strict budget arguably the PSL’s most unstable club Larsen’s spell at Arrows is the longest restraints he was working under. to coach. He found them languishing He managed to mould in relegation danger but, in the end, led the team around the likes them to safety. Although, like many before MOVING AROUND of Musa Bilankulu, Knox him, that didn’t spare him the wrath of Larsen is already into his seventh job in 10 years Mutizwa and Limbikani trigger-happy owner Siviwe Mpengesi, TEAM TIME AT CLUB Mzava, while drawing from who pulled the plug on the Larsen regime BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC AUGUST 2010 – OCTOBER 2013 Arrows’ reserve squad that a few matches into the new season. had won the MultiChoice The affable Larsen faces a similarly MARITZBURG UNITED OCTOBER 2013 – JANUARY 2014 Diski Challenge twice. daunting task at Polokwane City, who have ROSES UNITED MARCH 2014 – JUNE 2014 But the announcement in plunged into relegation trouble. Now 49, BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC DECEMBER 2014 – DECEMBER 2015 December 2018 that he had he should have sufficient experience to GOLDEN ARROWS DECEMBER 2015 – DECEMBER 2018 left Abafana Bes’thende sent know how to pull them out of the rut, CHIPPA UNITED JANUARY 2019 – SEPTEMBER 2019 shockwaves across South just as he did with Chippa last year. POLOKWANE CITY DECEMBER 2019 – CURRENT African football, as it came After all, he knows exactly what to

a few months after Larsen do when thrown in at the deep end. MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX

38 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

37-38.indd 38 2020/02/24 07:31 COACH’SCORNER EXCLUSIVE TO SOCCERCLUB SUBSCRIBERS HE IS AT STRUGGLING POLOKWANE CITY AND WILL HAVE TO DRAW ON HIS VAST EXPERIENCE TO KEEP THEM AFLOAT

The Durban-born former Orlando Pirates and Manning Rangers midfielder stabilised a shaky ship and, within two years, they won their first major trophy since 2005. He led Siwelele to a Telkom Knockout triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns in December 2012. The result ended the reign of Johan Neeskens at Chloorkop and triggered the appointment of Pitso Mosimane. It further confirmed Larsen’s credentials as a promising young coach. He stayed at Celtic for three years before he was recruited by Maritzburg United who were in dire relegation straits. Unfortunately for him, things didn’t work out too well and his nine games returned one victory before he was let go in early January 2014. Larsent spent a few months in the wilderness of the National First Division, #THEFIXGUY coaching Roses United, only for Celtic to come calling again. But this time his spell with Siwelele didn’t last as long, in his managerial career, eclipsing his first had led the club to a second successive JUST DROPPED! ending after just 30 matches. He was stay at Celtic by two matches. It was at the top-eight finish. They haven’t achieved soon headhunted by Golden Arrows. Lamontville club where his skill as a talent- it again. In charge for 107 games between spotter and astute manager really came He re-emerged at Chippa United, December 2015 and December 2018, to the fore because of the strict budget arguably the PSL’s most unstable club Larsen’s spell at Arrows is the longest restraints he was working under. to coach. He found them languishing He managed to mould in relegation danger but, in the end, led the team around the likes them to safety. Although, like many before MOVING AROUND of Musa Bilankulu, Knox him, that didn’t spare him the wrath of Larsen is already into his seventh job in 10 years Mutizwa and Limbikani trigger-happy owner Siviwe Mpengesi, R50 OFF TEAM TIME AT CLUB Mzava, while drawing from who pulled the plug on the Larsen regime BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC AUGUST 2010 – OCTOBER 2013 Arrows’ reserve squad that a few matches into the new season. WHEN YOU SPEND R350 had won the MultiChoice The affable Larsen faces a similarly MARITZBURG UNITED OCTOBER 2013 – JANUARY 2014 Diski Challenge twice. daunting task at Polokwane City, who have ROSES UNITED MARCH 2014 – JUNE 2014 But the announcement in plunged into relegation trouble. Now 49, BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC DECEMBER 2014 – DECEMBER 2015 December 2018 that he had he should have sufficient experience to left Abafana Bes’thende sent know how to pull them out of the rut, Offer exclusive to SoccerClub subscribers 1-30 April 2020, valid in-store scan to Fin GOLDEN ARROWS DECEMBER 2015 – DECEMBER 2018 EARN REWARDS o closest shockwaves across South just as he did with Chippa last year. & on full-priced menswear items only. This offer excl. cellular & gift theFigu store CHIPPA UNITED JANUARY 2019 – SEPTEMBER 2019 EVERY TIME cards. Simply swipe your TFG account card to redeem. African football, as it came After all, he knows exactly what to YOU SHOP. POLOKWANE CITY DECEMBER 2019 – CURRENT Account customers a few months after Larsen do when thrown in at the deep end. MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX MORE FOR YOU are automatically sho online TFG REWARDS members. E&OE. .THF.C.ZA 38 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

37-38.indd 38 2020/02/24 07:31 The Exclusive Fix.indd offer.indd 1 82 2020/02/20 10:5210:10 AM The Mane

WinningMan the votes of peers like and Eden Hazard in the 2019 Ballon d’Or bears testimony to Sadio Mane’s remarkable rise to world-class status. By Mogamad Allie KHALED ELFII/PETER POELL/BACKPAGEPIX

40 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

FSC Sadio Mane.indd 40 2020/02/24 8:26 AM SADIOMANE

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hasn’t made too many mistakes in the transfer market. However, the German admitted he got it wrong when he passed up the opportunity to sign Sadio Mane Lfor in 2014. The Klopp blamed the pressure he was under at the time for the decision to turn down the chance to sign the young Senegal international.

SENEGAL’S RISE ith the 2021 Africa Cup of ations • Defensive midfielder Mane and the 2022 orld Cup on the 0 is a key player at big-spending horion ane spearheads a growing aris aint-ermain. number of enegal internationals • Wing Ismaila Sarr 21 has made playing influential roles at uropean a big impression at atford. clubs. This bodes well for the Lions • Right back Moussa Wague, 21, of Teranga’s chances of making an is continuing to make progress at impression at both tournaments. arcelona despite being sent to • Napoli’s 2 is French side ice on loan in anuary. widely regarded as one of the best • Attacker Keita Balde 2 has been defenders in urope with several in good goal-scoring form for French top clubs chasing his signature. side onaco. WinningMan the votes of peers like It was simply a wrong evaluation on my hen Mane moved to at the Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard side,’ the Liverpool boss said. It is not the start of the 201-17 season, he was still only wrong decision I have made but this in the category of player with potential to in the 2019 Ballon d’Or bears one I could correct some years later.’ develop’. Thanks to Klopp, his coaching testimony to Sadio Mane’s Instead, Mane aged 22 at the time team and Mane’s hard work, the attacker secured a 12-million transfer from has grown into an indispensable part of remarkable rise to world-class Salzburg to Southampton. He spent two the Liverpool team. productive seasons there and even netted Alongside and status. By Mogamad Allie the Premier League’s fastest hat-trick on , Mane is part of what 1 May 2015. The attacker struck three is widely regarded as the game’s most times in two minutes and 5 seconds in terrifying front three. His quality, speed a -1 win over Aston illa to eclipse the and exceptional work rate, together with record set by Liverpool legend Robbie an increasingly clinical ability to convert Fowler in August 1994. his chances, have made the Senegal Fortunately for Klopp, the opportunity international, who turned 28 in April, to rectify his mistake presented itself one of the world’s most coveted players. in June 201 when he made Mane his Unsurprisingly, given his level of first major signing at Liverpool. He paid consistency and match-winning ability, 34-million, which now seems like a Mane has regularly been linked with bargain for a player who is valued at 13-time European champions Real well over 100-million in the Madrid, whose manager, Zinedine

KHALED ELFII/PETER POELL/BACKPAGEPIX transfer market today. Zidane, is a known admirer.

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FSC Sadio Mane.indd 40 2020/02/24 8:26 AM FSC Sadio Mane.indd 41 2020/02/24 8:26 AM SADIOMANE

However, Klopp’s turnaround at Anfield has renewed the club’s status as a sought- BIG THREAT after destination. It’s hard to see Mane Since joining Liverpool, Mane’s moving from such a positive, successful environment, particularly after he committed Premier League goal return himself to the club by signing a five-year has grown impressively 22 deal in November 2018. His reputation as a standout member of what is arguably Liverpool’s best team and being mentioned in the same breath as club legends like and 13 Ian Rush speaks volumes about just how 12 good Mane has become. A growing list of 10 accolades including sharing last season’s Premier League Golden Boot, a fourth place in the Ballon d’Or and being crowned 2019 African Player of the ear is further evidence, if any was needed. Praise doesn’t come any higher than 2016-1 201-1 201-1 201-20 when it is from Lionel Messi, one of the Correct at 20 February 2020 greatest players to grace a football pitch.

‘IT’S A SHAME TO SEE MANE FINISHED IN The Argentine star revealed his vote in the 2019 Ballon d’Or ballot went to Mane. FOURTH PLACE ... I CHOSE HIM BECAUSE It’s a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place, but I think there have been HE’S A PLAYER I LIKE’  LIONEL MESSI a lot of great players this year. That’s why it was difficult to choose a particular player,’ Messi said. But I chose Mane because he’s a player I like. He had a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team.’ The status of the Reds’ No 10 as a world-class footballer is a far cry from when he left his home village of Bambali in the south of Senegal as a 15-year-old to try his luck at the famed Generation Foot academy in the capital . I did not look like a footballer,’ he told . I was wearing pants that looked nothing like football shorts. And my football boots were completely shredded on the sides.’ Looks can be deceiving, though, and it took just 15 minutes to win over the academy’s head scout, Abdou Diatta. A move to French side Metz followed in 2011 and shortly after helping his country to the quarter-finals of the 2012 Olympics, Mane signed for Salzburg, where he began

his rise to the top. IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES PETER POELL/ANDRE POELL/BACKPAGEPIX/GETT

42 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

FSC Sadio Mane.indd 42 2020/02/24 8:26 AM SADIOMANE

However, Klopp’s turnaround at Anfield has renewed the club’s status as a sought- BIG THREAT after destination. It’s hard to see Mane Since joining Liverpool, Mane’s moving from such a positive, successful environment, particularly after he committed Premier League goal return himself to the club by signing a five-year has grown impressively 22 deal in November 2018. His reputation as a standout member of what is arguably Liverpool’s best team and being mentioned in the same breath as club legends like Kenny Dalglish and 13 Ian Rush speaks volumes about just how 12 good Mane has become. A growing list of 10 accolades including sharing last season’s Premier League Golden Boot, a fourth place in the Ballon d’Or and being crowned 2019 African Player of the ear is further evidence, if any was needed. Praise doesn’t come any higher than 2016-1 201-1 201-1 201-20 when it is from Lionel Messi, one of the Correct at 20 February 2020 greatest players to grace a football pitch. 1 CARD. EXCLUSIVE OFFERS.

‘IT’S A SHAME TO SEE MANE FINISHED IN The Argentine star revealed his vote in the OVER 20 RETAIL BRANDS. 2019 Ballon d’Or ballot went to Mane. FOURTH PLACE ... I CHOSE HIM BECAUSE It’s a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place, but I think there have been HE’S A PLAYER I LIKE’  LIONEL MESSI a lot of great players this year. That’s why it was difficult to choose a particular player,’ Messi said. But I chose Mane because he’s a player I like. He had a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team.’ The status of the Reds’ No 10 as a world-class footballer is a far cry from when he left his home village of Bambali in the south of Senegal as a 15-year-old to try his luck at the famed Generation Foot academy in the capital Dakar. I did not look like a footballer,’ he told France Football. I was wearing pants that looked nothing like football shorts. And my football boots were completely shredded on the sides.’ Earn and redeem rewards at all TFG retail brands listed below. Looks can be deceiving, though, and it took just 15 minutes to win over Account customers are automatically TFG REWARDS members. the academy’s head scout, Abdou Diatta. A move to French side Metz followed in 2011 and shortly after helping his country to the quarter-finals of the 2012 Olympics, Mane signed for Salzburg, where he began

his rise to the top. IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES PETER POELL/ANDRE POELL/BACKPAGEPIX/GETT

42 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

01330_Rewards_Mag_Ad_Autumn_198 x 260.indd 3 2020/02/20 13:18 FSC Sadio Mane.indd 42 2020/02/24 8:26 AM TFG Rewards.indd 1 2020/02/20 4:21 PM REALKINGS Fighting

OnIt has been a yo-yo season for Real Kings but they still believe they can make a push for promotion. By Peter Raath

eal Kings showed improvement under well-travelled head coach Joel Masutha. However, a poor home record of only two victories in 11 games ultimately cost him his job. RThat’s when club boss Shauwn Mpisane convinced Steenberg United mentor Michael Lukhubeni – who had engineered an important 2-1 win over her side at the Chatsworth Stadium a couple of weeks earlier – to switch allegiances. Although the team slumped to as low as eighth in the National First Division at one point, former South African U17 international defender Riyaaz Ismail is adamant they will finish in the top three. ‘Most definitely Kings will reach the playoffs,’ he tells SoccerClub. ‘But that’s not what we’re aiming for. The guys believe they have a shot at winning the league, nothing less. In the GladAfrica

Championship, no team is consistent WILKISKY/MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX RYAN

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44-45.indd 44 2020/02/24 14:27 ABOUT REAL KINGS ESTABLISHED: 2013 HOME CITY: Durban HOME GROUND: Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium (6 500 capacity) PROMOTED TO NFD: 2016 BEST FINISH: 4th (2017-18) ‘THE GUYS BELIEVE THEY HAVE A SHOT AT WINNING THE LEAGUE, NOTHING LESS’ – RIYAAZ ISMAIL

in terms of winning week in and week out. For now, we have to take one game at a time. It’s pointless looking too far ahead. ‘Masutha used to preach the same message every day. He pushed us to be humble in our approach, work hard and made sure the players appreciated every opportunity they got. ‘I’ve been in and out of the team because of the U23 rule, but whenever my chance arrives, I give my best to illustrate that I’m more than capable of playing irrespective of the rule.’ Interestingly, Kings registered 53 players for 2019-20; far more than any other outfit. However, this number was whittled down to around 37 as the campaign progressed. In fact, the majority of the 18-man squad fights for everything. What a blessing to on the club’s team sheet each weekend have him in the team. In modern football, are former Royal Eagles players, including so many young players know they’re regular starters Mbulelo Wambi, Lesego good but don’t want to work hard. You Manganyi, Victor Bakah, Hugo Nyame, can never reach a level if you think Philani Cele and Levy Mashiane. you’ve arrived.’ Another ex-Eagle, Diego Brown (top Perhaps the key to Kings’ dream of right), is also optimistic about promotion. reaching the lucrative top flight hinges ‘The goal is still the same,’ he says. ‘But on the prowess of striker Sedwyn George, I’m sure it’s going to be a fight. There’s who was the NFD’s top scorer in 2016-17 not much difference between Masutha with 20 goals for Royal Eagles. and Lukhubeni. Any coach wants to win, although Mike’s more of a disciplinarian CHECK US OUT AT and demands hard work. WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ ‘Lesvin Stoffels is an example of someone who never gives up. He TFGSOCCERCLUB

44-45.indd 45 2020/02/24 14:27 Making Dreams Happen.indd 1 2020/02/19 10:17 Khuda Muyaba.indd 47

SUPPLIED Struggling Polokwane Citymade bring inMalawi international High a questionable decisionto striker KhudaMuyaba

S season Rise and Shine found themselves season Riseand Shinefoundthemselves a dodgydisciplinaryrecord. in Malawi’s SuperLeaguebut a manwith Heading into the last eight games of the Heading intothelasteightgames ofthe Muyaba, lastseason’s top-scorer prepared togambleonKhuda the seasonthattheywere themselves inthetailendof which PolokwaneCityfound uch wasthepredicamentin Risk

Chiefs and SuperSport United. Chiefs andSuperSport United. creditable fifthplace,aheadofKaizer under JosefVukusic,finishingin ahighly club thathadasuperb2018-19 campaign massive turnaroundinfortunesfor a where they’vebeensince2013. to ensuretheyremaininthetopflight desperately needingtopickuppoints mired intherelegationzoneand This season’s slumprepresentsa WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA MUYABA KHUDA 2020/02/25 12:25PM

47 KHUDAMUYABA

WRONG NUMBER The transfer fee for the former Silver Strikers striker was quoted by some sections of the South African media to be a jaw-dropping R15-million, a figure that is nearly double the amount Mamelodi Sundowns paid Ajax Cape Town for the services of and Keegan Dolly in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The fee was in fact 15-million Malawi kwacha, which equates to $20 000 or around R300 000. Even so, it was double the amount offered by Mozambique champions Costa do Sol, who were also keen on signing the 26-year-old striker.

The last player to achieve the feat was Be Forward Wanderers’ Aggrey Kanyenda, who registered 26 strikes in 2005. ‘I feel the time is right to showcase my Goal-scoring has been a huge problem talents beyond our borders,’ Muyaba told FAST for a side that appointed the well-travelled Nyasa Times before his departure for Clinton Larsen to take over from Serb Polokwane City. FACTS Zlatko Krmpotic in early December. ‘This could be a stepping stone for FULL NAME: Khuda Ike Muyaba After 22 games they had scored only bigger things in my career so I’m excited DATE OF BIRTH: 26 December 1993 19 goals and in signing Muyaba and his and looking forward to impress.’ countryman Denis Chembezi, a central But Muyaba’s career in Malawi has PLACE OF BIRTH: Mzuzu, Malawi defender, in the January transfer window, been blighted by a series of disciplinary HEIGHT: 1.62m they pinned their hopes of survivial on issues. Last June he was suspended by POSITION: Striker the Malawi internationals. Silver Strikers for boycotting training after While Chembezi has been a regular his axing from the Flames’ Cosafa Cup starter since his arrival at the club, Muyaba team that played in SA. has been kicking his heels, awaiting his Muyaba accused Strikers coach work permit which by late February had Lovemore Fazili, who was part of still not been finalised. That was another the national side’s technical team, question to ask when weighing up the of being behind his axing. merits of the move for the striker. To make matters worse, he posted ‘When he becomes available Muyaba a video of himself mocking the national will give us more options in attack because team’s early exit from the competition. he has an eye for goal,’ assistant coach In June 2018 he was suspended by Bernard Molekwa tells SoccerClub. his former club Moyale Barracks, an ‘He came highly recommended and, army-based team, after being dismissed if he can carry his form to the PSL, it will from the Malawi Defence Force on boost our chances of survival.’ disciplinary grounds. Muyaba’s ability to rattle the net is What will Muyaba’s short-term impact beyond doubt. When he won the Golden be? It’s hard to tell but fans will be hoping Boot in last season’s Malawi Super League he is an improvement on compatriot with his 21 goals, including two hat-tricks, Muhammad Sulumba who had an it was the first time in 14 years the 20-goal unhappy six-month stint with the club

barrier had been broken in that country. in 2018. SUPPLIED

48 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

Khuda Muyaba.indd 48 2020/02/25 12:25 PM KHUDAMUYABA

WRONG NUMBER The transfer fee for the former Silver Strikers striker was quoted by some sections of the South African media to be a jaw-dropping R15-million, SUBSCRIBETO FITLIFE MAGAZINE FOR ONLY a figure that is nearly double the amount Mamelodi Sundowns paid Ajax Cape Town for the services of R28.99 PER MONTH, Khama Billiat and Keegan Dolly in 2013 and 2014 respectively. BILLED TO YOUR TFG ACCOUNT The fee was in fact 15-million Malawi kwacha, which equates to

$20 000 or around R300 000. HEALTHIER • HAPPIER • FITTER Even so, it was double the amount Subscriber offered by Mozambique champions Costa do Sol, who were also keen Benefits on signing the 26-year-old striker. H E A L T H & The last player to achieve the feat was ISSUE 41 WELLNESS Be Forward Wanderers’ Aggrey Kanyenda, INTRODUCING The GUIDE who registered 26 strikes in 2005. 30–Day 1 From nutrition, ‘I feel the time is right to showcase my Tone-Up JENNA Challenge delicious recipe’s and Goal-scoring has been a huge problem talents beyond our borders,’ Muyaba told GET READY tips for better living FAST for a side that appointed the well-travelled Nyasa Times before his departure for CARMEN FOR IT Clinton Larsen to take over from Serb Polokwane City. Fierce, Strong & Changing Lives FACTS Zlatko Krmpotic in early December. ‘This could be a stepping stone for As The Online Coach With The Most 4 WAYS TO FULL NAME: Khuda Ike Muyaba After 22 games they had scored only bigger things in my career so I’m excited 19 goals and in signing Muyaba and his and looking forward to impress.’ COOK FISH EXCLUSIVE DATE OF BIRTH: 26 December 1993 And Should countryman Denis Chembezi, a central But Muyaba’s career in Malawi has Save You Eat Like WORKOUTS PLACE OF BIRTH: Mzuzu, Malawi defender, in the January transfer window, been blighted by a series of disciplinary R60 A Caveman? WITH OUR Get inspired, get HEIGHT: 1.62m COUPONS they pinned their hopes of survivial on issues. Last June he was suspended by inside 2 fi t and get toned p POSITION: Striker the Malawi internationals. Silver Strikers for boycotting training after DO AMINE FASTING While Chembezi has been a regular his axing from the Flames’ Cosafa Cup The New Craze, starter since his arrival at the club, Muyaba team that played in SA. Explained! has been kicking his heels, awaiting his Muyaba accused Strikers coach THE DISCOUNTED work permit which by late February had Lovemore Fazili, who was part of COUPONS still not been finalised. That was another the national side’s technical team, You could save up to R40 question to ask when weighing up the of being behind his axing. 3 with our monthly coupons merits of the move for the striker. To make matters worse, he posted from Shoprite/Checkers ‘When he becomes available Muyaba a video of himself mocking the national will give us more options in attack because team’s early exit from the competition. Power he has an eye for goal,’ assistant coach In June 2018 he was suspended by IS YOURS • Black Panther-Like Strength • Boxing For Badass Gains • Ditch The Habits Killing Your Goals Bernard Molekwa tells SoccerClub. his former club Moyale Barracks, an A M A Z I N G ‘He came highly recommended and, army-based team, after being dismissed PRIZES EVERY if he can carry his form to the PSL, it will from the Malawi Defence Force on MONTH boost our chances of survival.’ disciplinary grounds. 4 Muyaba’s ability to rattle the net is What will Muyaba’s short-term impact Fitness gear, shopping vouchers beyond doubt. When he won the Golden be? It’s hard to tell but fans will be hoping HOW TO SUBSCRIBE and more! Boot in last season’s Malawi Super League he is an improvement on compatriot with his 21 goals, including two hat-tricks, Muhammad Sulumba who had an SMS ‘FL03’ and ID number to 45176 Call 0860 111 395 it was the first time in 14 years the 20-goal unhappy six-month stint with the club barrier had been broken in that country. in 2018. SUPPLIED Full terms and conditions can be viewed at www.tfgclub.co.za

48 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

Khuda Muyaba.indd 48 2020/02/25 12:25 PM FitLifeFL AD Subs.inddfor MAN2020.indd 1 1 2020/02/18 12:2310:20 PMAM FSC Around the World.indd 50 2020/02/24 2:18 PM ChristianrahEEMsterlingPulisic American Dream Chelsea wing Christian Pulisic is taking the lead in football’s american revolution. By richard Buxton

he Oscar-winning actor Matthew Already their youngest international Mcconaughey clearly recognises goal-scorer and captain, the wing’s transfer a superstar when he sees one. from borussia Dortmund in January 2019 He ran the rule over christian added another layer to America’s latest Pulisic when the American footballing fairy tale. The task of filling an starred in chelsea’s champions Eden Hazard-shaped hole in the blues’ TLeague group stage win over Lille in early attack at a time when Fifa had imposed a December, trying to work out if the hype transfer embargo, subsequently overturned, around the £58-million player was justified. felt comparatively minor. Pulisic’s enigmatic start to his Stamford To a certain extent, Pulisic bridge career had sparked consternation has become a victim of his from across the pond. He made four own success after stealing the consecutive Premier League appearances show for the Stars and Stripes for ’s side, only to see in their run to the final of the concacaf himself deemed surplus to requirements gold cup. Around the same time, the US in the next three domestic games. Some reaffirmed its international dominance of of his compatriots feared that history was the women’s game as a golden generation about to repeat itself. led by Megan Rapinoe successfully For over two decades, the United States’ defended the World cup. reputation for churning out players tipped Pulisic’s meteoric rise is more than a to be ‘the next big thing’ preceded the feelgood story embodying the American reality. but even at the tender age of 21, dream. He is a benchmark Mcconaughey Pulisic is no stranger to the burden of hopes a generation of his countrymen will carrying an entire country’s hopes on replicate globally within the next eight to

ANDY RAIN/ kIERAN gALVIN/bAckPAgEPIx his shoulders. 10 years.

WWW.tFGsOCCErCLUB.CO.Za 51

FSC Around the World.indd 50 2020/02/24 2:18 PM FSC Around the World.indd 51 2020/02/24 2:18 PM ChristianPulisic

The number of goals Pulisic scored by the midway point of his debut season in England, more than in each of his previous four seasons 5 in Germany

That future may be closer than the of the game’s most iconic names earn native league, in terms of technical Wolf of Wall Street star anticipates, with recognition in their own right throughout ability and supporter adulation. closer the reach of American footballers stretching Europe. giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah alignment with European football rather as far as South korea’s k-League and and Jonathan klinsmann are just three than a college-centric system has been Europe. Many of them have followed following in their fathers’ footsteps. argued as a key starting point in Major Pulisic’s lead by turning to the On the touchline Jesse Marsch League Soccer’s efforts to retain more for their self-improvement, with no fewer continues to make waves as Red bull homegrown talents. than 11 players at clubs in the german Salzburg’s manager and gave Liverpool, Expanding the league with emerging top flight. owned by the boston-based Fenway Sports franchise clubs, including Mcconaughey’s Talent, rather than nepotism, also group, a scare when they met in the own Austin Fc, is seen as an attempt sees the US-born offspring from some champions League group stages earlier to dispel the perception that it is a this term. beyond Anfield’s corridors of destination for once-elite players like AmericAn PlAyers in power, American influence can be found Zlatan Ibrahimovic, kaka and Lampard in boardrooms across Europe’s top five to see out the twilight of their careers. the Premier leAgue leagues with storied clubs such as Ac That cultural shift promises to accelerate Milan and Marseille now among them. Mcconaughey’s prediction of football soon Brad Friedel: Spent 18 seasons in the top flight with Liverpool, Blackburn Yet homeland audiences invariably overtaking baseball in Stateside affections. Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham remain drawn to Pulisic’s exploits A 2018 poll ranked its popularity among Hotspur between 1997 and 2015. during his freshman year at chelsea. Americans as being only marginally Clint Dempsey: Widely considered His involvement in 16 of their matches behind the nation’s favourite pastime. the greatest US player of all time, ‘Deuce’ fired Fulham to the 2010 broadcast from the start of the 2019-20 Other sports may be looking over their

Europa League final during his campaign until February was watched shoulders, too, after the beautiful game EPI x g five-year spell at the club. by an average of 552 812 households resonated with adults between the ages ck PA Jozy Altidore: Dismal stints at Hull per fixture. of 18 and 34 at the same level of polling City (2009-10) and Sunderland It is why Mcconaughey believes as basketball (11%). The days of football (2013-2015) proved at odds with the striker’s lofty reputation. the Pennsylvanian would find himself being America’s perennial ‘sport of the

comfortably at the pinnacle in his future’ are firmly at an end. ALAN POIZNER/b A

52 www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za

FSC Around the World.indd 52 2020/02/24 2:18 PM ChristianPulisic Fixtureslist

The number of goals Pulisic scored by the midway point of his debut season in England, more than in each of his previous four seasons 5 in Germany April:

That future may be closer than the of the game’s most iconic names earn native league, in terms of technical Wolf of Wall Street star anticipates, with recognition in their own right throughout ability and supporter adulation. closer the reach of American footballers stretching Europe. giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah alignment with European football rather as far as South korea’s k-League and and Jonathan klinsmann are just three than a college-centric system has been Watch Out! Europe. Many of them have followed following in their fathers’ footsteps. argued as a key starting point in Major Pulisic’s lead by turning to the bundesliga On the touchline Jesse Marsch League Soccer’s efforts to retain more English PrEmiEr lEaguE for their self-improvement, with no fewer continues to make waves as Red bull homegrown talents. 4 Arsenal vs Norwich City Emirates 16:00 than 11 players at clubs in the german Salzburg’s manager and gave Liverpool, Expanding the league with emerging Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United The Amex 16:00 top flight. owned by the boston-based Fenway Sports franchise clubs, including Mcconaughey’s Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur Bramall Lane 18:30 5 West Ham United vs Chelsea 15:00 Talent, rather than nepotism, also group, a scare when they met in the own Austin Fc, is seen as an attempt Manchester City vs Liverpool Emirates 17:30 sees the US-born offspring from some champions League group stages earlier to dispel the perception that it is a 6 Everton vs Leicester City 21:00 this term. beyond Anfield’s corridors of destination for once-elite players like 11 Manchester United vs Bournemouth Old Trafford 13:30 Leicester City vs Crystal Palace King Power 16:00 AmericAn PlAyers in power, American influence can be found Zlatan Ibrahimovic, kaka and Lampard Southampton vs Manchester City St Mary’s 16:00 in boardrooms across Europe’s top five to see out the twilight of their careers. Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton Tottenham Hotspur 18:30 the Premier leAgue leagues with storied clubs such as Ac That cultural shift promises to accelerate 12 Chelsea vs Watford Stamford Bridge 15:00 Liverpool vs Aston Villa Anfield 17:30 Milan and Marseille now among them. Mcconaughey’s prediction of football soon Brad Friedel: Spent 18 seasons in the 13 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal Molineux 21:00 top flight with Liverpool, Blackburn Yet homeland audiences invariably overtaking baseball in Stateside affections. 18 Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Selhurst Park 13:30 Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham remain drawn to Pulisic’s exploits A 2018 poll ranked its popularity among Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur Vitality 16:00 Everton vs Southampton Goodison Park 16:00 Hotspur between 1997 and 2015. during his freshman year at chelsea. Americans as being only marginally Manchester City vs Newcastle United Etihad 16:00 Clint Dempsey: Widely considered His involvement in 16 of their matches behind the nation’s favourite pastime. Arsenal vs Leicester City Emirates 18:30 the greatest US player of all time, broadcast from the start of the 2019-20 Other sports may be looking over their 19 Aston Villa vs Manchester United Villa Park 17:30 ‘Deuce’ fired Fulham to the 2010 20 Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool The Amex 21:00 x EPI x Europa League final during his campaign until February was watched shoulders, too, after the beautiful game I p g 25 Liverpool vs Burnley Anfield 13:30 five-year spell at the club. by an average of 552 812 households resonated with adults between the ages Bournemouth vs Leicester City The Amex 16:00 ck PA Manchester United vs Southampton Old Trafford 16:00 Jozy Altidore: Dismal stints at Hull per fixture. of 18 and 34 at the same level of polling City (2009-10) and Sunderland Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton Molineux 16:00 It is why Mcconaughey believes as basketball (11%). The days of football (2013-2015) proved at odds with Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City The Amex 18:30 26 Sheffield United vs Chelsea Bramall Lane 15:00 the striker’s lofty reputation. the Pennsylvanian would find himself being America’s perennial ‘sport of the Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur 17:30 *Dates and times are subject to change. ALAN POIZNER/b A comfortably at the pinnacle in his future’ are firmly at an end. E WILL OLIVER/backpag

52 www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za www.tfgsoccerclub.co.za 53

FSC Around the World.indd 52 2020/02/24 2:18 PM EPL fixtures April.indd 53 2020/02/24 3:15 PM THELIST Panic Buys SoccerClub highlights 10 eyebrow-raising Premier League transfers over the years

ODION IGHALO TO MANCHESTER UNITED, 2020 b c L I R L a TO CHELSEA, 2015 PARK CHUYOUNG TO ARSENAL, 2011 c p L L c a W a W a R k V p L W b E

54-55.indd 54 2020/02/25 8:03 AM THELIST

TAL BEN HAIM TO PORTSMOUTH, 2009 MAROUANE FELLAINI TO MANCHESTER a UNITED, 2013 p W b c I E L p b a k g b b

PAUL KONCHESKY TO LIVERPOOL, 2010 R L k STEPHANE DALMAT TO TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR, 2003 ANDRE SANTOS TO ARSENAL, 2011 g b I E b g R p O RYAN BABEL TO … NOWHERE, 2010 b W L MAICON TO MANCHESTER CITY, 2012 b E a b g b L c L I W R p c

OE pEpLER/WILL OLIVER/aVI pRIcE/IcaEL REga/aREW pOWELL/cLIVE ROE/backpagEpIx/gE IagE/gaLLO IagE pRIcE/IcaEL REga/aREW pOWELL/cLIVE ROE/backpagEpIx/gE OE pEpLER/WILL OLIVER/aVI I R

WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 55

54-55.indd 55 2020/02/25 8:03 AM General subscription terms 1. You have subscribed to a magazine published or distributed by Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd (‘TFG’). 2. Your TFG account will be billed monthly for the magazine until you advise us to cancel your subscription, by contacting SOCCERCLUB our customer services department. They can be contacted at 0860 576 576. You may cancel your subscription at any time but will be billed for the magazine until we receive your cancellation request. 3. Should you not wish JANUARY 2020 WINNERS to be billed for the magazine when your TFG account has a zero balance, please advise us of this by contacting our customer services department. 4. TFG reserves the right to cease publication or distribution of the magazine TFG Account Credit worth R2 000 at any time in our sole and absolute discretion. In such an event, we will no longer bill you for the magazine. 5. MS M Kgakane, Soshanguve South TFG reserves the right to change or cease the benefits offered iin the magazine at any time. 6. TFG may change the shape and the size of the magazine at any time. 7. The price of the magazine may be adjusted annually, and MR LJ Nkosi, Ermelo you will be billed the increased price from the date that the increase becomes effective. We will give you advance MR B Shamase, Osizweni notice of any such increase and the effective date thereof. 8. These terms and conditions can change from time to MR TE Mohale, Zondereinde time and you will be bound to any new terms and conditions from the date of publication thereof in the magazine. 9. We hereby notify you that it may be necessary for certain third-party benefit providers to process your personal Winning Streak competition information to enable them to provide their services to you. By subscribing to the magazine, you agree to this. R1 000 Shoprite Gift Card 10. TFG staff members who subscribe to the magazine are not eligible for any magazine benefits and competition prizes. 11. You are contracting with Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd, Registration number 1988/007302/07, VAT MS L Maseko, Boksburg number 4210187250, situated at 340 Voortrekker Road, Parow East, Cape Town. Additional terms apply to Value MR L Mahwaya, Kensington Club magazine – see www.tfgclubmagazine.co.za for details.

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T&Cs.indd 56 2020/02/26 11:37 AM ISSUE116 General subscription terms 1. You have subscribed to a magazine published or distributed by Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd (‘TFG’). 2. Your TFG account will be billed monthly for the magazine until you advise us to cancel your subscription, by contacting SOCCERCLUB our customer services department. They can be contacted at 0860 576 576. You may cancel your subscription at any time but will be billed for the magazine until we receive your cancellation request. 3. Should you not wish JANUARY 2020 WINNERS to be billed for the magazine when your TFG account has a zero balance, please advise us of this by contacting KNOW YOUR GAME our customer services department. 4. TFG reserves the right to cease publication or distribution of the magazine TFG Account Credit worth R2 000 at any time in our sole and absolute discretion. In such an event, we will no longer bill you for the magazine. 5. MS M Kgakane, Soshanguve South TFG reserves the right to change or cease the benefits offered iin the magazine at any time. 6. TFG may change the shape and the size of the magazine at any time. 7. The price of the magazine may be adjusted annually, and MR LJ Nkosi, Ermelo you will be billed the increased price from the date that the increase becomes effective. We will give you advance MR B Shamase, Osizweni notice of any such increase and the effective date thereof. 8. These terms and conditions can change from time to MR TE Mohale, Zondereinde time and you will be bound to any new terms and conditions from the date of publication thereof in the magazine. 9. We hereby notify you that it may be necessary for certain third-party benefit providers to process your personal Winning Streak competition information to enable them to provide their services to you. By subscribing to the magazine, you agree to this. R1 000 Shoprite Gift Card IN OUR 10. TFG staff members who subscribe to the magazine are not eligible for any magazine benefits and competition prizes. 11. You are contracting with Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd, Registration number 1988/007302/07, VAT MS L Maseko, Boksburg number 4210187250, situated at 340 Voortrekker Road, Parow East, Cape Town. Additional terms apply to Value MR L Mahwaya, Kensington NEXT ISSUE Club magazine – see www.tfgclubmagazine.co.za for details.

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General competition terms and conditions 1. As a magazine subscriber, you will be automatically entered into selected competitions in the magazine. 2. Where you need to send an SMS to enter a competition, standard SMS rates apply for these competitions. 3. Unless otherwise stated, all competitions are organised by Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd Registration number 1988/007302/07 (‘TFG’). 4. In these rules, ‘promoter’ means a person who directly or indirectly promotes, sponsors, organises or conducts the competition, or for whose benefit the competition is promoted, sponsored, organised or conducted, which includes TFG. No director, member, partner, employee, agent of, or consultant to the promoter or any other person who directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by the promoter, their advertising agencies, or their spouses, life partners, parents, children, brothers, sisters, business partners or associates, may enter a competition. This also applies to a person who is a supplier of goods or services in connection with a competition. 5. Competition winners (‘winners’) may be required to provide a copy of their ID to confirm their magazine subscription. All winners need to be active subscribers of the magazine in order to qualify for a prize, which means their TFG account needs to be up to date and not in arrears. 6. Winners will be randomly selected by means of an automated system and will be contacted telephonically or via email within one month of the competition closing date. If we cannot contact a winner after two attempts have been made to reach him/her on their chosen contact number, and either the call is not answered or the call goes directly to voicemail, the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be re-drawn. 7. The winner’s name and/or photo will be published in the magazine. The winner will be given the opportunity to agree or not to agree to the publication of their image unless the competition is of such a nature that the winner’s picture must be published. 8. The prize(s) will be sent to the winner(s) via courier to the winner(s) home address or to the nearest TFG store if the winner does not have a physical address. 9. All competition entrants must reside in South Africa. 10. By entering the competitions, entrants agree and understand that they may win a prize and that there is no guarantee that they will win a prize. 11. Unclaimed prizes will be kept for six months only, after which time they will be re-allocated to an alternative winner. 12. Prizes are not transferable, may not be deferred or exchangeable for cash or otherwise. 13. If any taxes, levies, duties or any charges whatsoever are levied on a prize by any competent authority, the winner will be liable for these and the prize value will not be increased to compensate for such charges. 14. Should the law or any authority terminate a competition, no notice of termination shall be required. In such an event, all entrants waive any rights and acknowledge that they shall have no claim of any nature whatsoever against TFG, its directors, agents or employees as a result of the termination. Further, TFG reserves the right to vary, postpone, suspend or cancel the competition and any prizes that have not yet been drawn, or any aspect thereof, without notice at any time and for any reason whatsoever that TFG deems is reasonable at the time. 15. You may be limited to how often you can enter a competition, how many prizes you may win, and how often you can win a prize per magazine. 16. The decision of TFG as to the winner is final and there will be no correspondence. 17. To the extent that a licence (eg driver’s licence) or permission (eg by a parent/guardian) is required in order to accept or use a prize, the winner must produce such licence or permission for inspection by TFG prior to receiving the prize. If the winner does not or is unable to do so, the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be drawn under the same terms and conditions. 18. By accepting a prize or by entering this competition, you hereby indemnify TFG, its directors, agents, employees and the promoters/sponsors against any damages of any nature whatsoever that anyone may suffer as a result of the prize/s and/or this competition, including consequential damages and economic loss. 19. Failure to comply with these terms by a winner will be deemed to be a rejection of the prize and the winner will then be disqualified from receiving the prize. 20. Certain competitions may have additional terms, and these will be set out in the magazine advertising the competition.

Terms and conditions for non-subscribers 1. All competitions (via automatic entry, SMS or post) for SoccerClub are reserved for TFG (The Foschini Group) account holders who subscribe to SoccerClub on a monthly basis. 2. All benefits as detailed in SoccerClub are available only to account holders who subscribe to the magazine on a monthly basis. 3. The general terms and conditions for SoccerClub magazine subscribers are applicable only to account holders who subscribe to SoccerClub.

TFGTFG is (T madehe Foschini up of G theroup following) is made up stores: of the following stores:

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T&Cs.indd 56 2020/02/26 11:37 AM Next Month (May, issue 116).indd 57 2020/02/25 10:38 AM EXPERTOPINION

Madiba Magic former Bafana Bafana captain

his year marks the 30th anniversary to bring us down to earth and found time and introduced himself to us, within of Nelson Mandela’s release from in his busy schedule to interact with us. seven minutes we were 2-0 up. The man T prison. The late statesman played The night before the final against Tunisia was special and he realised how important an inspirational role in our readmission he came to the team hotel to see us. We sport was to help unify the country. Fast into international football. The president were with our wives and children, and he forward two years and it was by far my would call most mornings and say, ‘How’s walked through the door and proceeded proudest sporting moment when I lifted the team, how’re you getting on and what’s to greet and have a conversation with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, with the mood like in camp?’ everyone. Mandela didn’t bypass anyone. Mandela at my side. When players were together for weeks Looking back on that moment in history, When he passed away in 2013, Africans and weeks, there were ups and downs. it truly humbles me. lost one of their favourite sons. We need During Afcon 1996, he said, ‘Now you He was inspirational for us throughout to live Madiba’s humility and forgiveness. can feel the euphoria but don’t let it get the tournament and, in 1994, was the first The world would become a better place the better of you as players and take each South African president to come to a game if that were the reality. match as just another game.’ He was able of football, post-isolation. It was against and it was on inauguration day. Tovey, a stalwart for Amakhosi and MADIBA REALISED HOW Going against protocol, Madiba excused Bafana Bafana over an illustrious playing himself from the 240 dignitaries and career, captained his country to Afcon glory in 1996. He serves as Safa’s headed to Ellis Park to offer his support. IMPORTANT SPORT WAS TO technical director, a position he’s held We were 0-0 at half-time but after since 2015. HELP UNIFY THE COUNTRY Madiba came into our dressing room GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES

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