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84187 Lucky Star TFG Soccer Club Ad 260x198mm FA.indd 1 2017/09/28 10:28 AM FEATURES MAN FOR 18 STRIKER OF CHOICE Is Evans Rusike the Premiership’s THE MOMENT answer to Jamie Vardy? Kiwi Jeremy Brockie is ready 22 PAYBACK TIME to cement his celebrity status SoccerClub previews the domestic 8 action coming up in November 24 REAL DEAL FILLED WITH PROTEIN & OMEGA 3, Siphelele Ntshangase is thriving despite GET THE MEAL OF CHOICE FOR SOCCER STARS. missing out on a blockbuster move 28 FALLEN STAR Where to next for Patrick Phungwayo after a dramatic exit from Pirates? 36 UNDER PRESSURE Dikwena have offered Roger de Sa a chance at redemption 40 MOMENT OF TRUTH NOVEMBER 2017 Super Eagles struggling to cope with the demands of the NFD 48 FAMILY VALUES Bidvest Wits could be the perfect platform for Anthony Gordinho to shine 54 CRUNCH TIME SoccerClub analyses the crucial contents World Cup qualifying permutations SHORTS 4 FROM THE CLUBHOUSE 6 PRIZES & BENEFITS 16 REF’S RAP 27 GETTING TO KNOW 30 POSTER 34 JANINE VAN WYK 32 39 NUMBERS GAME LOOKING SHARP 46 FLASHBACK SoccerClub looks at 10 58 EXPERT OPINION memorable PSL jerseys WIN 6 Samsung TV, Samsung Galaxy Tab, PSL replica jersey and 13 Shoprite gift cards ‘DIE HOND’ BITES BACK One of four Bernard Parker Is up 13, 23, 36, 48 42 Lucky Star offers protein and omega 3 goodness which helps you build muscle, to the task of leading R2 500 TFG gift cards MBAPPE vs DEMBELE Chiefs to glory Which young star will stay sharp and in shape. New Lucky Star Sweet Chilli is perfect for any soccer star! make it to the top first? Try Lucky Star Sweet Chilli this Soccer Season.

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Fifa’s Folly MOGAMAD ALLIE SoccerClub Editor

he South African Football Association (Safa) deserves credit for its uncompromising stand on corruption after accepting Fifa’s decision to order a replay of last November’s controversial 2018 TWorld Cup qualifier against Senegal. Safa president Danny Jordaan was unequivocal in stating that South Africa would not accept the three points they gained from that important game if, as Fifa strongly believes, they were obtained through match manipulation by the now disgraced Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey (right), who had his life ban Fifa must bear responsibility for that was extended to a whopping nine confirmed by the Court of Arbitration in appointing Lamptey to take charge of such minutes when Angola were awarded a Sport (Cas) in September. Sources in a high-profile game when he has had a highly dubious penalty. The spot kick was Fifa suggest that irregular betting activity long history of poor performances. duly converted, after which he immediately pointed to the referee being manipulated Lamptey was suspended blew his whistle. by a syndicate to produce a 2-1 scoreline. for six months by Caf in 2011 SMS Fifa’s decision is not SMS SOCCER + your Safa have rightly taken the moral high after allowing a ball punched feedback to 44002 without precedent. In 2005 ground by stating they would not be party into the net to stand as a goal and you may win a PSL they ordered a replay of the to corruption and they, together with the when Esperance, of Tunisia, replica jersey to the value Asia playoff game between Senegal Football Federation, have also beat Egyptian giants Al Ahly of R899! Remember to Uzbekistan and Bahrain in been cleared of any wrongdoing. 1-0 in an encounter in the include your account the qualifiers for the 2006 number in your message Although they made the right decision Champions League. World Cup, although that in the end, Fifa could have dealt with the Speculation is rife that the was on a technical issue. issue much better. They should have taken immigration officer’s match- The referee awarded Safa into their confidence by allowing them fixing activities might have started Uzbekistan a penalty, which they scored to make representations. They should’ve during the 2017 Afcon qualifier between after leading 1-0 late in the first half, but also identified those behind manipulating the DR Congo and Angola in Kinshasa. then gave Bahrain an indirect free kick the referee. The home side was leading 2-0 at the when an Uzbek player encroached in the 90-minute mark when Lamptey added penalty area, instead of having the penalty five minutes of stoppage time. However, retaken, as he should have done in terms HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB of the rules. Bafana fans are miffed that their CALL 0860 117 530 Email your account number or team will have to do it all again against (Between 08:30 and 17:00) ID number to [email protected] the powerful Lions of Teranga, but they should be proud of Safa for refusing to be the beneficiaries of corruption. Now SMS ‘SOCCER’ and your NOT A TFG ACCOUNT HOLDER AND WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? Great News! You can subscribe for 12 months via debit account number to 44002 it’s up to the team to deliver a rousing order and win a R100 TFG shopping voucher! Ts&Cs *Standard SMS rates apply performance in their last match of the apply. Have your bank details ready for our call-back

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Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero City’s Sergio Aguero Manchester to his in full flight and on the way against club, the for hat-trick 10th at Vicarage Road Watford Greetings SoccerClub SoccerClub I’m so happy to receive as I’m a bigeach and every month keepsChiefs fan. This magazine as I love me up to date with soccer, Amakhosireading about all the latest Thanksnews and transfer rumours. for a great read. Mr O T Nkambule TFG (The Foschini Group) is made up of the following stores: is made up of the following Group) Foschini (The TFG

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AND WIN AND IN SMS SoccerClub feedback a chance to can stand to 44002 and you feedback + your magazine! SMS SOCCER This is your R899! Remember to include your of to the value from Totalsports win a PSL replica jersey or write can also email us at [email protected] You message. account number in your Roggebaai, 8012 8145, PO Box to SoccerClub, us a letter Good one Makhosi but still far from being good. Our play isn’t convincing Chacklas Ndlovu Sandile Msariter Fuze Thanks to Paez and Khune. Well finest at his best done Mzansi’s Kudakwashe Richman Murombo Kudakwashe Thanks to Khune & Paez for saving us from drowning! Khayelihle Khumalo Khayelihle I’m very happy for Paez, three goals this season, khosy4ever On Gustavo Paez’s brace for Chiefs Chiefs brace for Paez’s On Gustavo Maritzburg in their win over WHAT HAPPENED ON FACEBOOK HAPPENED WHAT 7-8_Readers & Prizes.indd 7 SuperSport United have accepted their prize asset will leave, but they first want

ver since he showed his class the Kiwi to help them add to their collection after being recruited to SuperSport of silverware. By Mogamad Allie United in January 2015 by then coach Gordon Igesund, Jeremy Brockie has been In coveted by the PSL’s big three E– Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The past transfer window was no different as Sundowns, keen on bolstering their strike force for the defence of their Demand Caf Champions League crown, pushed harder than ever for the New Zealand international to make the cross-town move to Chloorkop. ‘It’s nice recognition to receive interest from the big clubs that have rich histories and are so well known,’ Brockie tells SoccerClub. ‘Everywhere you go in the country, whether it’s the supermarket or a cafe down the road, there’s sure to be a Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns fan. It’s nice to be linked with those clubs and that’s probably because I’ve come here and scored goals on a regular basis. At the end of the day that’s what I’m paid to do, and I’ll continue to do that. And if I do, it means I’m enjoying my football.’ FAST FACTS

DATE OF BIRTH: 7 October 1987 PLACE OF BIRTH: Christchurch, New Zealand HEIGHT: 1.82m POSTION: Forward HONOURS: Nedbank Cup (2015-16, 2016-17) INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: New Zealand vs Malaysia, February 2006 MUZI NTOMBELA/HANNAH JOHNSTON/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES MUZI NTOMBELA/HANNAH JOHNSTON/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY

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8-10_Cover Feat_.indd 8 2017/09/27 9:39 AM JEREMYBROCKIE

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is clearly an admirer of the former Wellington Phoenix striker, returning each transfer window with a new offer. ‘Almost every year we make a request for Jeremy Brockie and we have been turned down,’ he says. ‘You have to respect that and understand he is contracted to another team.’ In the end, not even submitting a last-minute transfer request at the end of August could shift Matsatsantsa, who are keen for the 29-year-old striker to help them add to the two Nedbank Cup titles he’s won with the club. After first signing with SuperSport until June 2017, Brockie had only recently penned an upgraded contract that commits him to the club until 2020, before he tried to engineer his move ‘IT’S NICE RECOGNITION TO RECEIVE INTEREST FROM THE BIG CLUBS THAT HAVE RICH HISTORIES AND ARE SO WELL KNOWN’

SuperSport United CEO Stanley Matthews accepts his star striker will leave, but won’t be forced into a premature sale. ‘I've left the door open for Jeremy. If he performs and we do well as a club, we will send him off in the right way, at the right time. We aren’t going to be bulldozed; not by Jeremy and not by other football clubs.’ After the acrimony that saw Brockie being left out of the squad for the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Maritzburg United in early-September, the All Whites international demonstrated his value to the team by netting both goals in the second leg to guide Matsatsantsa to their third successive cup final. Add to that the winner he netted against The16 number of goals – in 25 Kaizer Chiefs in the opening round and appearances – Brockie scored it’s easy to make a case for him single- for Wellington Phoenix when he was the A-League’s Golden Boot handedly carrying the team to their first runner-up in the 2012-13 season final in the competition since 2012.

8-10_Cover Feat_.indd 9 2017/09/27 9:39 AM JEREMYBROCKIE

Having finished on eight league goals last season, to add to the 11 he netted in his maiden campaign, which he achieved in only half a season, Brockie has his sights set on the seemingly elusive target of 20 that was last achieved by Siyabonga Nomvethe in the 2011-12 campaign with Moroka Swallows. ‘Many people PERFECT START will look at that Jeremy Brockie arrived and say, “It’s at SuperSport United a big target in style, scoring the winning goal against to reach and Mpumalanga Black you’ve got Aces in his first game. no chance of getting it.” I’m not one of those players who sets myself a target of scoring five goals and then, when you achieve that, you take little steps at a time,’ he says. ‘I like to aim big and if I get there, then fantastic; if I fall a little short, then so be it. The main thing is being successful for SuperSport and winning trophies, and a big part of that is me scoring goals. consistently and get in those goal-scoring ‘It will be nice if someone could reach situations, then it only takes a couple that 20-goal mark. It’s obviously not easy, of goals to get on a roll, that sometimes but if I can keep injury-free and perform doesn’t stop.’ Having settled in nicely with his family PROVEN RECORD since arriving nearly three years ago, Brockie sees his immediate future in Brockie’s performance at his past three clubs South Africa. ‘Since coming to the country, my family APPEARANCES and I have adapted very quickly. On the GOALS 93 pitch, things are going very well and off the pitch we’ve met some lovely people. ‘From a playing point of view I feel like I’ve got some very good years ahead of me – I can see myself playing here for many more years. 52 58 ‘From a team point of view, I’ve really 41 embraced the dancing and singing in the change room before and after a game. I do 23 not regret one bit coming to this country.’ As much as Brockie has fallen in love with South Africa, fans in this country have 11 taken to the bearded New Zealander too, SUPERSPORT UNITED* WELLINGTON PHOENIX NEWCASTLE UNITED JETS particularly since he’s been able to deliver a product that’s all too rare in the PSL – *Correct as at 28 September 2017 goals, and top-quality ones, too. IMAGES SYDNEY MAHLANGU/ANESH DEBIKY/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO

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8-10_Cover Feat_.indd 10 2017/09/29 10:14 AM Rewards.indd 1 2017/09/28 3:16 PM Vermont Sales Resize.indd 1 2017/09/29 2:54 PM BERNARDPARKER ‘Die Hond’

BitesBernard Parker is determined to play his part in Kaizer Chiefs’ fight for the Premiership Back ften overlooked by armchair critics because of his age, Bernard Parker is still as valuable to the Glamour Boys as he was when he returned to South Africa for the start of the 2011-12 Oseason. While his first season yielded just three goals, his next two brought DID YOU KNOW? 22, and with it a league title for Parker joined Leicester Amakhosi and the Golden Boot. City on trial in December The goals have dried up since 2010, but failed to then and the title hasn’t returned to secure a deal. Naturena, but who better to help spark

FRENNIE SHIVAMBU/GALLO IMAGES FRENNIE SHIVAMBU/GALLO a resurgence than the experienced WIN A FOSCHINI GROUP GIFT CARD WORTH R2 500 All SoccerClub subscribers will be automatically entered into selected competitions in the magazine. Every month there will be a random draw. All winners need to be active subscribers of SoccerClub in order to qualify. The competitions close on 30 November 2017.

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Vermont Sales Resize.indd 1 2017/09/29 2:54 PM Bernard Parker.indd 13 2017/09/26 2:24 PM BERNARDPARKER

PARKER ON GUSTAVO PAEZ ‘It’s good for us to share the responsibility up front and lead by example in terms of being selfless in the last third and making sure the ball hits the back of the net. Gustavo and I do that a lot. We run a great deal and keep defenders on the back foot. The main thing for us, as strikers, is to keep giving defenders problems, so that they open up opportunities for our other attackers.’ ‘IN FOOTBALL EVERY STRIKER HAS THEIR SEASON AND STRIKING FORM, AND I HOPE I CAN GET THAT BACK’

‘We just need to keep the consistency, the spirit and the confidence, because that is the main thing,’ says Parker. ‘If we maintain those key aspects and keep working hard I think doors will open; things will eventually come our way.’ Parker knows better than most that Chiefs players aren’t afforded much time to turn things around. ‘In football every striker has their season and striking form, and I hope I can get that back. If any of us score early it will automatically lead to the rest of the team gaining confidence. At the rate we are going, I believe a lot is expected from us and if we keep pushing this way, positive things will follow.’ Chiefs fans will continue to demand results; while Parker continues to give his PARKER’S 31-year-old, who has been around the best every time he is called up, the truth block a few times? is that goals are all that count. HONOURS ROLL His job remains the same – find the Who better to handle the pressure International debut: back of the net – but fortunately for the than a player capped well over 50 times vs Malawi in 2007 Boksburg-born forward he has some for his national team, who has years of First international goal: backup. Gustavo Paez is finding his European experience and has won almost vs Malawi in 2008 feet in the PSL and the evergreen every trophy on offer in South Africa? Brace: vs New Zealand in the 2009 Confederations Cup Siphiwe Tshabalala continues to deliver. Top-scorer: Chan 2014 with All Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela CHECK US OUT AT four goals needs is to get Parker, known as ‘Die Hond’, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ International appearances back near the 10-goal mark and tighten for Bafana Bafana: 70

up his defence. TFGSOCCERCLUB SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX

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Bernard Parker.indd 14 2017/09/26 2:24 PM BERNARDPARKER

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Bernard Parker.indd 14 2017/09/26 2:24 PM Vtech.indd 1 2017/08/17 9:43 AM REF’SRAP Ban the DANIEL BENNETT Cheats Fifa referee

s a referee and someone for decision to award Bafana a penalty when Safa president Danny Jordaan should whom football is a passion the ball hit Senegal defender Kalidou be applauded for refusing to accept the and an integral part of my life, Koulibalyon on his thigh was astonishing three points Bafana picked up from that no form of corruption sits well in the extreme. controversial win over Senegal. Football with me. I’ve turned down The evidence against Lamptey must needs honest people who have the integrity many advances during 18 have been very strong for the Court to stand up for what is right even if, as in yearsA of officiating. of Arbitration for Sport to uphold his this case, it potentially harms their team’s Fifa’s relationship with Interpol, which lifetime ban from all football activity. chances of qualifying for next year’s Fifa was established in 2012, is one way It distresses me that any referee could World Cup. of reporting suspicious behaviour, and act in such a way, especially one who Football is such big business with it’s something I have done on several had risen so high in the Caf and Fifa so much money, pride and stature at occasions. Match manipulation simply rankings. Now that he has been found stake that it offers unscrupulous people has no place in football. guilty of manipulating the match in an opportunity to manipulate situations That’s why I welcome the life ban question, previous controversies he was to make money. imposed on Ghana’s Joseph Lamptey involved in have taken on a darker hue. In 2010 the Semenya Commission for manipulating Bafana Bafana’s 2018 Lamptey was suspended by Caf for six investigated allegations of corruption World Cup qualifier against Senegal last months in 2011 after allowing a handball in South African football and among November. While the full facts have not goal that saw Esperance from Tunisia the recommendations was establishing been revealed, insiders claim that Lamptey beat Al Ahly from Egypt in a Champions a hotline where anyone could report was working with a betting syndicate to League semi-final match. There are suspicious activity. For this to work, those manipulate the final score. When one also suggestions of impropriety when who are strong enough to report corruption looks back at that game, the pieces of he refereed DR Congo vs Angola in a must be supported and protected, while the puzzle seem to fall into place – his 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. those who are found guilty must feel the I WELCOME THE LIFE BAN IMPOSED ON GHANA’S JOSEPH LAMPTEY FOR MANIPULATING BAFANA BAFANA’S 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AGAINST SENEGAL full force of the law and be banned for life from our beautiful game. The integrity of football depends on honest match officials. I remember former English Premier League referee David Elleray telling a player: ‘I may be useless, but I am not a cheat!’ Honesty is what we want from referees. Mistakes are part of the game, but they

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16 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

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Fragrance Festival_TFG MAN advert.indd 1 2017/09/11 4:08 PM Bennett.indd 16 2017/09/26 12:36 PM Cosmetics.indd 1 2017/09/18 9:45 AM Strikerof Choice Maritzburg United are sitting pretty after the big clubs’ failure to sign Evans Rusike. By Mazola Molefe

‘I RATE EVANS HIGHLY ... I HAVE SEEN HIS FOCUS, n a time when the PSL’s traditionally big clubs are finding it increasingly COMMITMENT AND HUNGER. difficult to unleash consistent goal- scorers, Maritzburg United – a side HE IS A COMPLETE STRIKER’ much smaller in stature – seem to – FADLU DAVIDS have managed to buck the trend Iwith Evans Rusike. which some might say is a bit late, but His 14 goals in 55 games (before I have a feeling he can still make it to the start of the season) suggest the Europe. I count him as one of my six Zimbabwean is far from being a hitman experienced players at the club.’ when those numbers are looked at in A host of PSL sides showed isolation; not considering the fact it’s his they shared the sentiments versatility that’s hurt his tally in the past. of Davids – who first saw Rusike at ‘I rate him highly. I think he is one Maritzburg as a trialist two years ago of the best strikers in our league,’ says FAST – when numerous reports had linked Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids, jumping Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and to Rusike’s defence. FACTS Mamelodi Sundowns to the striker. ‘We shouldn’t just look at those statistics DATE OF BIRTH: 13 June 1990 ‘I’m glad he decided to stay. alone. I am sure he will want a better PLACE OF BIRTH: Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe And once that was clear, I sat return, and this season I have told him PLAYING POSITION: Forward I will rely on him as our No 9 because I have seen his focus, commitment and INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: vs Swaziland, March 2016 hunger. He is a complete striker and can PREVIOUS CLUBS: Kiglon (2010-2012), Zimbabwe play at any club in the country. He is 27, Saints (2012-2015)

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18-21_Evans Rusike.indd 18 2017/09/29 10:16 AM EVANSRUSIKE Choice

DID YOU KNOW? Rusike is yet to score from a penalty in the PSL. GERHARD DURAAN/SYDNEY MAHLANGU/GAVIN BARKER/BACKPAGEPIX GERHARD DURAAN/SYDNEY MAHLANGU/GAVIN

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Rich eld Graduate Institute of Technology (PTY)LTD, previously known as PC Training & Business College is registered with the Department of Higher Education & Training as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, Registration Certi cate No. 2000/HE07/008 & as a Private Further Education College under the Further Education & Training Act, 2006, Registration Certi cate No. 2008/FE07/050

Richfield.indd 1 2017/09/15 11:43 AM EVANSRUSIKE

R MEN’S ONLY YOU ARE Est. 1990 NOT ALONE WHAT IF YOU WERE DIAGNOSED WITH A DREAD DISEASE, OR NEEDED URGENT MEDICAL ADVICE Register at our Award winning OR LEGAL GUIDANCE? As an account holder at any TFG (The Foschini Group) store, you have access to this optional Institute today! insurance product. OUR MEN’S ONLY INSURANCE PRODUCT eLearning & Short Courses PROVIDES YOU WITH:

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Short Programmes R24 200 once-o payout on DREAD the diagnosis of either prostate • Human Resources Mgmt • Project Mgmt DISEASE cancer or testicular cancer. This BENEFIT benefi t is subject to a 3 month • Office Administration • Computerised Bookkeeping waiting period. • Supply Chain & Logistics Mgmt • SAP • Production & Operation Mgmt • Microsoft ‘HE FOLLOWS INSTRUCTIONS TO A YOU WILL ALSO HAVE 24 HOUR ACCESS TO: • Comptia T AND I HAVE NO DOUBT HE CAN PLAY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD’ – DAVIDS Medical and Health Helpline eLearning Programmes down with him, showed him a couple of videos to analyse Legal Assist Helpline • Cisco Certified Network Associate • Project Mgmt his performance from the season before and we discussed All this for only • Certified Business Analyst Professional • Computer Hacking Forensic where he can improve,’ said Davids. • Certified Ethical Hacker ‘Evans was a raw talent when he got here, and we could see R42.00 • Adobe Creative Suite per month, he wasn’t coached. We had to make a decision between him INTERESTED? • Microsoft Project • Comptia A+ & N+ SMS “MO” & your TFG store conveniently billed and two other foreign players who had come on trial. I think account number to 45387 to your TFG store • Professional in Human Resources • Microsoft Office Specialist account this season we are seeing the real Evans, who is playing to his (standard SMS rates apply) CALL 0860 117 526 • MCSE • AutoCAD strengths with his quick pace and incredibly high work rate. EMAIL [email protected] • Risk Mgmt • Microsoft Certified Educator ‘We were playing him on the wide left or right sometimes. I think that is why he struggled [to get more goals], but now that he is in Terms and conditions apply. a more central role, he will be used to his maximum capability.’ Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd And it didn’t take long for Rusike to reward his coach – and (VAT number: 4210187250) is an leave those clubs that were chasing him regretting not putting authorised fi nancial services provider. Insurance is underwritten by Guardrisk Insurance up more of a fight to lure him away – when he scored both Company Limited (VAT number: 4250138072), FREE goals in Maritzburg’s 2-0 victory in their second league game an authorised fi nancial services provider. Student loans from R200 p/m Tablet PC this season against Ajax Cape Town. T’s & C’s apply ‘That is just who he is,’ says Davids. ‘He is a true talent. Evans follows instructions to a T and I have no doubt he

Call: 0861 321 321 WhatsApp: 082 774 9387 www.rgit.co.za STEVE HAAG/BACKPAGEPIX can play anywhere in the world.’

Richfield.indd 1 2017/09/15 11:43 AM 18-21_Evans Rusike.indd 21 2017/09/28 12:56 PM

Mens Only.indd 1 2017/09/19 12:20 PM 22-23.indd 22 2017/09/28 8:53 AM Payback PSLPREVIEW Ajax Cape Town will be looking for a third successive win over Platinum Stars, while Orlando Pirates want to avenge last season’s 6-0 humiliation against Time Mamelodi Sundowns. By Mogamad Allie

resigned after failing to win the opening a Kermit Erasmus brace and a goal by seven games of the campaign. Lehlohonolo Majoro secured a comfortable Menzo was able to register the Urban 3-0 victory for Vladimir Vermezovic’s side jax Cape Town coach Warriors’ first win, but only after having to at Loftus Versfeld. Stanley Menzo will have first endure a nervy finish as Stars clawed Since then Sundowns have won four and mixed emotions before his their way back into the game with two drawn one of their next five PSL meetings, side’s match against Platinum second-half goals after trailing 3-0 inside scoring 13 goals and conceding only two. Stars at the Royal Bafokeng the first half hour. They have another tough encounter Stadium in early-November. De Sa will be on the Dikwena bench when the league programme resumes after ALast season’s corresponding fixture facing his former employers for the first the international and Telkom Knockout saw the Dutchman end Ajax’s 10-game time since leaving the club last October. break, when they travel to Braamfontein winless run in his second game The 53-year-old, who is now coaching to face league champions Bidvest Wits. in charge after taking over at his sixth PSL club, hasn’t had the best Gavin Hunt’s side is on the road to

SYDNEY SESHIBEDI/CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO IMAGES SYDNEY SESHIBEDI/CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO from Roger de Sa, who of starts with Dikwena, failing to win any recovery after a disastrous start that saw of his first four games in charge. them take nine league and cup games He’d like nothing more than to reverse to record their first win of the new season. last season’s two league defeats against The two sides have been evenly matched his former team. in recent years, with each winning four In 13 games, Ajax have won four times, and drawing two of their last 10 league drawn three and lost six in Phokeng. and cup encounters. On the same day, Orlando Pirates Golden Arrows, the season’s surprise will want to erase the painful memories early leaders, have two tough games in the of Mamelodi Sundowns’ 6-0 humiliation space of four days in late-November. First when they meet at the Orlando Stadium. they travel to Orlando Pirates on the 21st Although Pirates are now a more resilient and then host Cape Town City on the 25th. outfit under Micho Sredojevic (above right) Victories over Pirates have been collector’s WIN they are still some way short of the quality items for Clinton Larsen’s team: their 2-1 A FOSCHINI GROUP GIFT CARD of the sides that won back-to-back league win at the end of last season was only WORTH R2 500 titles and trebles in 2011 and 2012. their second in 20 previous league and All SoccerClub subscribers will be automatically Their recent record against the Brazilians cup encounters. entered into selected competitions in the has been dire, failing to beat the seven-time magazine. Every month there will be a random draw. All winners need to be active subscribers PSL champions in any of their previous five CHECK US OUT AT of SoccerClub in order to qualify. The competitions league encounters. Their last win over the close on 30 November 2017. Tshwane side came in August 2014, when WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

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22-23.indd 22 2017/09/28 8:53 AM 22-23.indd 23 2017/09/28 8:53 AM Real Deal Siphelele Ntshangase’s move to Baroka is proving to be exactly what the playmaker needed. By Nkareng Matshe

The 2number of goals Ntshangase scored against Mauritius in June 2015, helping Bafana qualify for Chan 2016 AUBREY KGAKATSI/SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX AUBREY KGAKATSI/SYDNEY

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24-25.indd 24 2017/09/27 3:09 PM SIPHELELENTSHANGASE

iphelele Ntshangase was the Aptly, Ntshangase wears the famous talk of the winter transfer period. ‘IF HE KEEPS HIS FEET No 10 jersey for Baroka, an indication that One moment he was on the radar ON THE GROUND AND DOESN'T he is expected to shine more than others of Gauteng’s big three – Kaizer around him at the Limpopo outfit. Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and BECOME ARROGANT, HE ‘If he keeps his feet on the ground and Mamelodi Sundowns – the next, WILL BE A GREAT PLAYER’ doesn’t become arrogant, he will be a great She was condemned to another season player. From what I've seen, nothing will in the doldrums of lower-division football – DOCTOR KHUMALO stop him,’ said Khumalo. as his club, Black Leopards, reportedly overpriced him at around R3-million. ‘I’m surprised at how humble and To the surprise of many, though, intelligent Ntshangase is,’ said Khumalo, FAST Ntshangase emerged at Baroka after who now works closely with the midfielder. Leopards sold him so he could finally ‘When you speak to him, you get a FACTS Real realise his dream of playing in the PSL sense he wants to grow; he’s always asking after battling for some time in the obscurity questions on how he can improve, yet you FULL NAME: Siphelele Leonard Ntshangase of the NFD with Lidoda Duvha. can see he’s very talented.’ DATE OF BIRTH: 11 May 1993 The general consensus was that he didn’t Khumalo believes a move to Baroka, PLACE OF BIRTH: Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal belong in the second rung of South African instead of the great trek to Gauteng, club football. He had caught the eye with has suited Ntshangase perfectly. PLAYING POSITION: Midfielder his splendid performances for Bafana ‘At Baroka, he’s the star player, the FORMER CLUB: Black Leopards Bafana – albeit in lesser competitions main man. Had he joined Chiefs, Pirates (15 goals in 77 appearances) such as Chan and the Cosafa Cup. or Sundowns, that would not be the case While he did not achieve his dream because there are many stars there. He of joining a big team, Ntshangase has probably would not have had as many taken to the Premiership like a duck to chances to start games as he’s done Deal water, proving in the first few games of with Baroka. Siphelele Ntshangase’s move to this season that he has great potential ‘There’s an element of pressure Baroka is proving to be exactly and he is not an overrated wannabe. at these big teams and, although what the playmaker needed. His command of the Baroka central his talent can flourish midfield as its main creative force has anywhere, I think By Nkareng Matshe impressed many, including Doctor he made the right Khumalo – a midfield maestro in his decision to sign heyday – who has teamed up with with Baroka, hone Bakgaga as technical director after his skills and grow spending almost his entire playing as a player,’ he said. and coaching career at Kaizer Chiefs. Baroka have made a positive start to the season after surviving relegation IMPRESSING only through the playoffs backdoor last season, and Khumalo is adamant THE BOSS Ntshangase’s arrival has made a huge The 2number of goals Ntshangase won rave reviews from difference to their campaign. Ntshangase scored against Mauritius in June 2015, Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter ‘His work ethic is unbelievable. He helping Bafana qualify brings energy into the team because for Chan 2016 ‘I think he is an exciting player. After he’s confident – he can take players on. working with him, I can say he is a He just needs to improve his fitness and smarter player than many people think. He understands our “pressing” game. concentration throughout the game. He may not be a Tony Adams, but ‘You will have noticed that we substituted he understands the nuts and bolts him in the past two games, but you need of pressing people. He is not scared. a player like this to perform at optimum If you get him on the ball in the right level for 90 minutes,’ Khumalo said of areas, he is a handful.’

AUBREY KGAKATSI/SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX AUBREY KGAKATSI/SYDNEY the 24-year-old star.

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24-25.indd 24 2017/09/27 3:09 PM 24-25.indd 25 2017/09/27 3:09 PM Centurion.indd 1 2017/07/17 3:19 PM GETTINGTOKNOW PLAYER’S MICHAEL MORTON FAVOURITES AmaZulu midfielder

STADIUM Soccer City is my ultimate. PRE-MATCH RITUALS The only thing I do before a match REFEREE is call my mom and wife, no matter where I’m playing. DANIEL BENNETT FOOD My ultimate favourite has to be ribeye steak; there is nothing better. I like a couple of refs, but I would have to say Daniel Bennett. He’s very TV PROGRAMME professional and players respect him. He knows how to deal with footballers. TOUGHEST OPPONENT Grand Designs TEKO MODISE

Teko Modise has by far been my toughest opponent. In his prime he was difficult to deal with. ALL-TIME BAFANA BAFANA PLAYER I have always admired the late Gift Leremi. SUPERHERO He was supremely talented and would’ve gone on to such great heights if he had TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES not passed away prematurely. I know technically they’re not superheroes, but I’ve always loved them. CAR LAND ROVER DEFENDER 4x4 WAYS TO RELAX When I have free time I enjoy illustrating and drawing, as well as cooking and growing a herb and veg garden. MUSIC The Black Keys MESSI OR RONALDO? To be honest, I don’t prefer one over the other, but I enjoy watching Lionel Messi play; he is arguably one of the

SUPPLIED/CHRIS RICCO/AUBREY KGAKATSI/BACKPAGEPIX best footballers in the world.

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Centurion.indd 1 2017/07/17 3:19 PM 27P i.indd 27 2017/09/2 9:05 M PATRICKPHUNGWAYO

The former Buccaneer has been offered a lifeline at Free State Stars. By Mazola Molefe Fallen Star

atrick Phungwayo’s playing fallen star needing one last crack at to expectations. Phungwayo was a few trajectory has all the hallmarks the big time. matches shy of reaching a century of of a fall from grace, but coach Phungwayo was also wanted by games at Bidvest Wits and often raised Luc Eymael believes he can SuperSport United, but their coach Eric his hand as a potential Bafana player, revive the defender’s career. Tinkler, who would have been familiar with especially when he moved to Greek The 29-year-old, who has the players’ work ethic and style from his outfit Panionios Athens shortly after Pspent time playing in Greece and at time at Pirates, fancied Ghanaian Richard Wits clinched the Nedbank Cup and Orlando Pirates, seemed to hit a career Kissi Boateng instead. South Africa hosted the World Cup. road block after leaving the Buccaneers As a result, the lowly club from Not to exaggerate his ability, but the as a free agent in August. Bethlehem were there to offer Phungwayo world should have been his oyster. It’s ‘He is extremely experienced and a lifeline. ‘People told me he was not fit,’ those life lessons that Eymael is counting sometimes you can’t buy that,’ Eymael said Eymael. on to help in Phungwayo’s revival. tells SoccerClub, who urged Free That’s one of the reasons offered to ‘I have known him from when I first

State Stars to take a chance on a why the left back never quite lived up arrived in South Africa and I was at IMAGES NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO ASHLEY VLOTMAN/PHILIP MAETA/MUZI

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2-29Pn.indd 2 2017/09/2 2:49 PM ‘PATRICK IS EXTREMELY EXPERIENCED AND SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T BUY THAT’ – LUC EYMAEL

Polokwane City. I think I faced him twice. I told the club [Stars] to look at him when we were looking at left-back options. We can improve him,’ says Eymael of a player whose five years at Pirates invited more criticism than applause, although he did manage a little over 70 games. FAST FACTS DATE OF BIRTH: 6 January 1988 PLACE OF BIRTH: Alexandra, Gauteng HEIGHT: 1.73m POSITION: Left back YOUTH CAREER: Orlando Pirates, Africa Sports Academy INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: South Africa vs The number of appearances Angola, 16 June 2015, Cape Town Phungwayo made for Star 73 Orlando Pirates

‘I like that he’s forward-thinking and you ‘Sometimes when a player doesn’t can overload him, because he goes forward understand his role in the team they can a lot and is very speedy. I like his recovery fall into bad habits.’ runs and you can’t take away his vast Phungwayo certainly picked up a few. experience. I can improve his focus, his While he wouldn’t have envisioned positioning and get him to take more risks. such a drastic step back when he was With my training methods, fitness will not packing his bags and heading to Greece, be an issue.’ perhaps starting all over again in the small Eymael doesn’t know why Phungwayo town of Bethlehem, at a less glamorous has struggled in the past couple of years, club like Free State Stars, is exactly what but he does offers some insight. he needs.

2-29Pn.indd 29 2017/09/2 2:49 PM BAROKA

Poster.indd 30 2017/09/27 11:51 AM BAROKA

Founded: 2007 Home ground: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium Nickname: Bakgaga Coach: Kgoloko Thobejane Back row (from left): Letladi Madubanya, Abdi Banda, Mzwanele Mahashe, Gift Motupa, Goodman Mosele and Virgil Vries Front row (from left): Mpho Kgaswane, Matome Kgoetyane, Talent Chawapiwa, Sipho Moeti and Punch Masenamela SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX

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Poster.indd 30 2017/09/27 11:51 AM Poster.indd 31 2017/09/27 11:51 AM SoccerClub looks at 10 iconic jerseys of the PSL era Looking CAPE TOWN CITY (2016-17) The PSL new boys created quite a stir in their first season – challenging for the PSL title and winning the Telkom Knockout – ensuring their kit was on regular display. Sharp

ORLANDO PIRATES (2010-11) MAMELODI The return of Benni McCarthy had The Ghost SUNDOWNS (2013-14) in full voice as they secured the treble. The Brazilians returned to the top of the local game for the first time in six seasons as they saw off the threat of Kaizer Chiefs by a mere two points. RYAN WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI NTOMBELA/JED LEICESTER/ WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI RYAN IMAGES DUIF DU TOIT/LEE WARREN/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO

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3233e ist.indd 32 2017/09/2 2:27 PM THELIST

SoccerClub looks at 10 iconic jerseys of the PSL era SUPERSPORT UNITED (2007-08) Matsatsantsa broke into the winners’ SANTOS (2001-02) circle as Gavin Hunt masterminded Under Gordon Igesund, Santos surprised his side’s stunning run to the title. PSL fans by winning the league – and KAIZER CHIEFS (2004-05) they looked the part in their kit. No player, or jersey, was more prominent than Collins Mbesuma, who battered his way to a Looking staggering 35 league goals, helping Amakhosi CAPE TOWN CITY (2016-17) The PSL new boys created quite a stir in their defend their title in the process. first season – challenging for the PSL title and winning the Telkom Knockout – ensuring their kit was on regular display. Sharp AJAX CAPE TOWN (1999-00) The famous red and white of Ajax Amsterdam was seen in the PSL for the first time as the Dutch giants bought into the South African game. BIDVEST WITS (2016-17) The Clever Boys put an end to the dominance of the ‘Big Three’ as they outlasted Sundowns to win their first Premiership crown under Gavin Hunt.

MOROKA MAMELODI ORLANDO PIRATES (2010-11) SWALLOWS (2011-12) The return of Benni McCarthy had The Ghost ORLANDO PIRATES (2002-03) The Dube Birds are no longer in the professional SUNDOWNS (2013-14) in full voice as they secured the treble. The late Lesley ’Slow Poison’ Manyanthela made ranks of South African football, but few will The Brazilians returned to the top of the local game sure the famous black and white of Pirates forget Siyabonga Nomvethe’s exploits as he for the first time in six seasons as they saw off was regularly in the headlines as he top-scored finished top of the scoring charts with 20 goals. the threat of Kaizer Chiefs by a mere two points. DUIF DU TOIT/LEE WARREN/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO IMAGES DUIF DU TOIT/LEE WARREN/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO RYAN WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI NTOMBELA/JED LEICESTER/ WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI RYAN RYAN WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI NTOMBELA/JED LEICESTER/ WILKISKY/LEFTY SHIVAMBU/MUZI RYAN DUIF DU TOIT/LEE WARREN/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO IMAGES DUIF DU TOIT/LEE WARREN/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO with 18 goals in Pirates' romp to the title.

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3233e ist.indd 32 2017/09/2 2:27 PM 3233e ist.indd 33 2017/09/2 2:27 PM WOMEN'SFOOTBALL

Unique Set JANINE VAN WYK of Challenges Banyana Banyana captain

y time in the US has brought a few Luckily I have wonderful neighbours, challenges, but none more unique who jumped to my rescue and allowed NOTHANDO IS A M than my first natural disaster, when me to stay with them. FANTASTIC TEAM PLAYER Hurricane Harvey hit us in August. They took really good care of me in It was an extremely anxious time as what was a horrible few days. To see the AND HAS MAINTAINED my house was flooded, which forced destruction first hand was surreal and it PHENOMENAL LEVELS me to seek alternative accommodation, was heartbreaking to see so many people with the situation far from over. lose their homes. OVER THE YEARS

Fortunately, there was a glimmer of hope as the community rallied to help in the cleanup process and assist those who were badly affected. Looking back, I get goosebumps and thank my lucky stars I was safe during that time. A few weeks later, all safe and sound, I followed Banyana Banyana’s winning run at the Cosafa Cup online. I’ll admit that it was hard to take, sitting out the tournament – the first event I’ve missed in 13 years as a South African player. Unfortunately, there was no way to participate, as the event didn’t fall in the Fifa schedule and I had Dash commitments to fulfil. The team performed brilliantly and deservedly won the title, but I was most delighted to see Nothando ‘Vivo’ Vilakazi reach 100 national team caps. She is a SMS fantastic team player and has maintained SMS SOCCER + phenomenal levels over the years. your feedback to 44002 and you may win a PSL There are a few more players who replica jersey to the value will follow ‘Vivo’ in joining the ‘100 club’. of R899! Remember to It shows you how many talented include your account individuals we have in the side, and number in your message it’s about time overseas professional clubs start taking a closer look at what Banyana players have to offer.

Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk is the most capped South African footballer of all time with over 140 caps. Her foundation, JvW Football Development, aims to develop young female footballers and improve all aspects of the women’s game at grassroots level. SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX

34 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

nine n .indd 3 2017/09/27 3:5 PM WOMEN'SFOOTBALL

Unique Set JANINE VAN WYK THE of Challenges Banyana Banyana captain BEST y time in the US has brought a few Luckily I have wonderful neighbours, challenges, but none more unique who jumped to my rescue and allowed NOTHANDO IS A M than my first natural disaster, when me to stay with them. FANTASTIC TEAM PLAYER Hurricane Harvey hit us in August. They took really good care of me in IDEA It was an extremely anxious time as what was a horrible few days. To see the AND HAS MAINTAINED WHEN YOU HAVE my house was flooded, which forced destruction first hand was surreal and it PHENOMENAL LEVELS me to seek alternative accommodation, was heartbreaking to see so many people with the situation far from over. lose their homes. OVER THE YEARS NO IDEA

Fortunately, there was a glimmer of hope as the community rallied to help in the cleanup process and assist those who were badly affected. Looking back, I get goosebumps and thank my lucky stars I was safe during that time. A few weeks later, all safe and sound, I followed Banyana Banyana’s winning run at the Cosafa Cup online. I’ll admit Let them choose with an eGift Card that it was hard to take, sitting out the tournament – the first event I’ve missed Now online www.tfg.co.za in 13 years as a South African player. Unfortunately, there was no way to participate, as the event didn’t fall in the Fifa schedule and I had Dash commitments to fulfil. The team performed brilliantly and deservedly won the title, but I was most CLICK. delighted to see Nothando ‘Vivo’ Vilakazi reach 100 national team caps. She is a GIFT. SMS fantastic team player and has maintained SMS SOCCER + phenomenal levels over the years. your feedback to 44002 and you may win a PSL There are a few more players who replica jersey to the value will follow ‘Vivo’ in joining the ‘100 club’. of R899! Remember to It shows you how many talented include your account individuals we have in the side, and number in your message it’s about time overseas professional clubs start taking a closer look at what Banyana players have to offer. TFG (The Foschini Group) is made up of the following stores: Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk is the most capped South African footballer of all time with over 140 caps. Her foundation, JvW Football Development, aims to develop young female footballers and improve all aspects of the women’s game at grassroots level. SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX

34 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

00811_E-Gift_Card_Launch_Sports.indd 1 2016/09/15 3:10 PM nine n .indd 3 2017/09/27 3:5 PM it.indd 1 2017/09/21 10:1 AM Under Pressure Has Roger de Sa jumped from the frying pan into the fire by taking over the coaching reins at Platinum Stars?

efreshed and relaxed after a six- month break from football, Roger de Sa will need his wits about him if he is to guide Platinum Stars away from the murky waters of the relegation zone. R‘I had 35 years continuously in the game, first as a player, and then going straight into a coaching position, so it did catch up eventually,’ De Sa told SAfm. ‘It was nice to get away, look at the game from a distance and freshen up again. I’m looking forward to it now. It’s what I know and what I love doing. It’s a huge challenge, so let’s see how WIN it goes,’ he added. A FOSCHINI GROUP The 53-year-old took over in early- GIFT CARD September from Englishman Peter WORTH R2 500 Butler, who was fired after just All SoccerClub subscribers will be automatically entered into selected competitions in the two games, both ending in defeat. magazine. Every month there will be a random He is under no illusions about the draw. All winners need to be active subscribers of magnitude of the task facing him in SoccerClub in order to qualify. The competitions returning the Phokeng-based club close on 30 November 2017.

os orner.indd 3 2017/09/29 10:20 AM COACH’SCORNER

to the heights achieved in the 2012-13 action. It’s going to be my job to get the player. This is going to be a hard grind season, when they won the MTN8 and youngsters to fill the boots of those who on the training ground, but fortunately Telkom Knockout, as well as finishing have left,’ said De Sa, who is now with his we have great training facilities, the best runners-up in the league. sixth PSL club, after spells with Bidvest in Africa, and we have to try to use those Although De Sa still has key members Wits, Santos, Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape as much as we can.’ of the squad that finished third in the Town and Maritzburg United. Dikwena have already given debuts to league two seasons ago, Dikwena have Having been with the Urban Warriors, two exciting 19-year-olds, striker Charles failed to adequately replace experienced a club renowned for developing youngsters, Baloyi and Sibongakonke Mbatha, the campaigners like Mogakolodi Ngele, De Sa is in familiar territory when it comes highly-rated U20 international who Solomon Mathe, Eleazar Rodgers to providing opportunities for talented signed from Bidvest Wits. and Henrico Botes, the club’s record young players. It was he, after all, who The diminutive Mbatha is keen to goal-scorer. handed a 17-year-old Rivaldo Coetzee repay De Sa for the belief shown in him. The departure of striker Ndumiso his PSL debut shortly after taking over ‘I am grateful the new coach has seen Mabena to Bloemfontein Celtic at the start at Ajax in February 2014. potential in me and has given me a chance,’ of the season has left the Phokeng-based ‘I’ve got to try to develop the young he says. ‘That means a lot to me. I have to side short of good attacking options. players at Platinum Stars. Here, it’s a grab it with both hands. I have been waiting ‘Mabena’s departure has been a massive coaching job, not a cheque-book job for a chance to play in the PSL for a very loss. Ngele too, and there are a few others where you sign and replace player for long time. Hopefully this season I will get who were influential in the team and who to play a lot of games.’ have moved on. In some areas we are ‘I AM GRATEFUL THE NEW A change in the style of play introduced strong and have depth, and in other areas by Butler during his brief stint with the we’re pretty weak. COACH HAS SEEN POTENTIAL club, has also contributed to Stars’ poor ‘We haven’t replaced players who have start to the season that has seen them departed with ones who are ready for PSL IN ME AND HAS GIVEN ME A failing to win any of their first five games. CHANCE … I HAVE TO GRAB ‘Our culture at Platinum Stars is to hold possession and we are happy that IT WITH BOTH HANDS’ Roger believes in that philosophy‚ which is – SIBONGAKONKE suitable to us. Hopefully it will work going forward,’ says captain Vuyo Mere, who MBATHA has been with the club since 2011 after moving from Mamelodi Sundowns. De Sa is fully aware of the dilemma around playing style and the need for a quick solution. ‘You have to find a style that suits the team. Under Cavin Johnson they were a passing team, they played a lot of football, and under my predecessor there were a lot of changes. ‘We’ve got to find the right formula again and, hopefully with my help and input, but mainly from the players, we can get something out of it.’ Having lasted only seven games, securing only one win, in his previous job with Maritzburg United before resigning in March, De Sa is only too aware of the pressure to deliver. Otherwise he could CHECK US OUT AT join the ranks of Sammy Troughton, Peter WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ Butler and Dan Malesela, who were shown the door less than a month into the new

LEFTY SHIVAMBU/AUBREY KGAKATSI/GALLO IMAGES/BACKPAGEPIX KGAKATSI/GALLO LEFTY SHIVAMBU/AUBREY TFGSOCCERCLUB season.

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os orner.indd 37 2017/09/2 12:2 PM eot.indd 1 2017/09/22 11:50 AM NUMBERSGAME HOW HE SCORED THEM oFigure 20 RIGHT FOOT SoccerClub adds up the numbers behind Sergio Aguero’s 6 HEADERS 10 hat-tricks for 4 LEFT FOOT Manchester City WHERE HE SCORED FROM INSIDE SIX-YARD BOX 3 INSIDE BOX 25 OUTSIDE THE AREA 2 2011

The year Aguero scored his first treble The minutes for City, against Wigan in September. it took Aguero It took Aguero less STU FORSTER/PAUL ELLIS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES STU FORSTER/PAUL to score than 10 minutes to three against bag his hat-trick Spurs in against Newcastle 2014, with in 2015; a game in goals two and which he scored five. three coming from the penalty spot. 56 ‘Kun’ has a single hat- trick against The number of a team Champions League that’s won The Argentine hat-tricks Aguero has, the Premier 2 which came against striker scored League. his second hat-trick Bayern Munich, Steaua He helped when he headed home Bucharest and Borussia City beat Monchengladbach. Chelsea against Watford in a 3-0 in FA Cup clash in 2014. 3 1April 2016. 9 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA 39

eot.indd 1 2017/09/22 11:50 AM ers.indd 39 2017/09/22 2:02 PM 01.indd 0 N in theNationalFirst Division.By Peter Raath Super Eaglesarealreadyfindinglife tough Moment midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa 33-year-old former Bafana a youngtechnicalteamthatincludes The Free State club, which boasts The FreeStateclub,whichboasts of NFD football. of NFDfootball. to adjustthehigherstandard games, arefindingitdifficult point fromtheirthreeopening who collectedjustasingle ewly-promoted SuperEagles, of Truth

is there,’hetells ‘Whether youlikeitornot,thepressure He prefersaphilosophicalapproach. the lineifhefailstolifthistroops. defender, knowshisjobwill beon Mashego, anex-FreeStateStars’ as relegationcandidates. tier players,havealreadybeentouted and ascatteringofexperiencedsecond- Even theirheadcoach,Tshegofatso SoccerClub .

to be in three to four years’ time. I’ve to beinthree four years’time.I’ve terms ofourvisionandwherewe want know whereyoufailed. other thingsoutsidefootball,you’ll never – ifyoufocustoomuchonpressure and It’s thesameintermsofcoachingateam dying today?No,wedon’t,butit’s areality. are goingtodie.Doweeverthinkabout ‘Lebohang and I are ambitious in ‘Lebohang andIareambitiousin ‘We areliving,butatsomepointwe

2017/09/22 1:39PM

CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX 01.indd 0 N in theNationalFirst Division.By Peter Raath Super Eaglesarealreadyfindinglife tough Moment midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa 33-year-old former Bafana a youngtechnicalteamthatincludes The Free State club, which boasts The FreeStateclub,whichboasts of NFD football. of NFDfootball. to adjustthehigherstandard games, arefindingitdifficult point fromtheirthreeopening who collectedjustasingle ewly-promoted SuperEagles, of Truth

tier players, have already been touted tier players,havealreadybeentouted and ascatteringofexperiencedsecond- is there,’hetells ‘Whether youlikeitornot,thepressure He prefersaphilosophicalapproach. the lineifhefailstolifthistroops. defender, knowshisjobwill beon Mashego, anex-FreeStateStars’ as relegationcandidates. Even theirheadcoach,Tshegofatso SoccerClub .

2017/09/22 1:39PM

CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX 01.indd 1 well astheircaptain, MpapaMofokeng. Thabo SetsumiandEnverEsterhuizen, as Ramaele andTsietsi Maduna,midfielders Maluti FETCollegestalwartsTshepo and levelsofmaturity.’ to learn.It’s allabouttheirpersonalities there aredifferentwaysofgettingplayers analysed gamesontelevisionandbelieve dreamed ofcoachingintheNFD,often The Eagles’ survival will depend on The Eagles’survivalwilldependon

occasion remains tobeseen. Louw andZaneMahlangucanrise tothe Njabulo Mohapi,MlungisiNkosi, Christian Mbuli, MotlatsiPerekisi,Thabang Matjeni, their promotion. the clubsignedover10amateursafter about thelackofprofessionals,considering large 31-strongsquadthereareconcerns round lastseason.’ going unbeatenfortheentiresecond players, aswe’renotusedtolosingafter forward byworkingonthebrainsof and problems.It’s importanttomove are theteam’s engineroom. due tohiscommitment.HeandNoosi Mashego. ‘I’dcallLepeleaworkaholic Sundowns developmentplayer,’ says responsible formakingtheteamtick. Senokoane LepeleandVictorNoosi,are Selepe, whiletwoattackingforwards, – TO FOURYEARS’TIME’ WE WANT TOBEINTHREE OUR VISIONANDWHERE AMBITIOUS INTERMSOF ‘LEBOHANG ANDIARE MEN TOWATCH and thensomeinthefinalthird. his attackingpartner, doinghisduty Last termhecreated12goalsfor a lethalcombinationwithSelepe. and-coming ballartist,hasformed chasing evenmoregoalsthisyear. other playerslastyearandwillbe NFD. HesharedR100000withtwo will bekeytokeepinghisclubinthe last seasonplusfourintheplayoffs, netted 29intheABCMotsepeLeague Goal-grabber ThapeloSelepe,who Whether players such as Bongani Whether playerssuchasBongani Although theEagleshaveasufficiently 'Now’s thetimetofixmistakes ‘Mofokeng isaformerMamelodi Also inthemixistalentedThapelo TSHEGOFATSO MASHEGO TSHEGOFATSO Senokoane Lepele,ayoungup-

understand thewaywetalktothem.’ and Ihavejustretired,soourplayers technical staff.ThekeyisthatTshegofatso team togelisanewexperienceforthe things improve.Seeingifwecangetthe to thebudget.It’s amatteroftimebefore the market,’headmits.‘We hadtokeep is neverthelesssomewhatpositive. aware ofhisclub’s lackofdepth,but SLOW START* *Correct as at 18 September 2017 September 18 at as *Correct ‘Super Eagles should’ve gone more into ‘Super Eaglesshould’vegonemoreinto Ex-Buccaneer Mothibantwaisfully DRAWN 1 WON 1 DIVISION FIRST NATIONAL PLAYED 4 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA LOST 2 2017/09/22 1:39PM

41 e may be out injured, but Ousmane Dembele will carry the burden of his mammoth transfer fee and the expectations that come as Neymar’s replacement. During his breakout season Hwith Dortmund, Dembele displayed all the characteristics of a world-beater, netting 10 goals and being on hand to assist in a further 22 in 50 games in all competitions – enough evidence to label him one of the best in his age category. Perhaps what was most eye-catching about the Frenchmen’s consistent displays in the Bundesliga was his versatility, a key factor in persuading Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde to embark on a campaign to secure his signing. ‘Dembele guarantees depth,’ he said at the player’s unveiling. ‘That’s something we’ve lost and it’s something we need. He plays on both sides of attack and can also play as a centre forward, so he brings a lot of possibilities. ‘He’s very fast. He plays deep. He’s skilful and we’re hoping he can bring a lot of things to us. We’re very excited about this signing,’ he said. Dembele’s dribbling ability, extreme pace and uncanny ability to create chances at will makes him a good Double Trouble fit for the Catalan giants.

eee s Me.indd 2 2017/09/2 2:15 PM FOREIGNFEATURE

e may be out injured, but Dembele is no Neymar – the 20-year- Ousmane Dembele will carry the old isn’t a prolific goal-scorer and is often burden of his mammoth transfer found wanting defensively, but what the fee and the expectations that youngster lacks in experience, he more come as Neymar’s replacement. than makes up for in raw talent. During his breakout season The former Dortmund man is a Hwith Dortmund, Dembele displayed all worthy investment for the European the characteristics of a world-beater, superpower and, provided his price tag netting 10 goals and being on hand to doesn’t weigh him down, he could step assist in a further 22 in 50 games in all out of the shadows of his predecessor competitions – enough evidence to label and shine in his own right. him one of the best in his age category. If Dembele has set his sights on Perhaps what was most eye-catching becoming the world’s best player, he about the Frenchmen’s consistent displays has certainly joined the right club for in the Bundesliga was his versatility, a that to happen. key factor in persuading Barcelona coach One player who will challenge him all Ernesto Valverde to embark on a campaign the way – in what many believe could be to secure his signing. the next Messi/Ronaldo rivalry – is PSG’s ‘Dembele guarantees depth,’ he said at Kylian Mbappe. the player’s unveiling. ‘That’s something The Parisians will have to cough up we’ve lost and it’s something we need. £166-million for the 18-year-old striker, He plays on both sides of attack and after his year’s loan, with the likes of can also play as a centre forward, so Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester he brings a lot of possibilities. City and Arsenal all trying to ‘He’s very fast. He plays deep. He’s persuade Monaco to do business. skilful and we’re hoping he can bring But what is so special about a lot of things to us. We’re very excited this teenager, touted to be the about this signing,’ he said. hottest prospect in world football? Dembele’s dribbling ability, extreme Mbappe has enjoyed a meteoric pace and uncanny ability to create rise to stardom, coming a far way from chances at will makes him a good Double Trouble the 11-year-old boy who attended trials fit for the Catalan giants. at Chelsea. He made history when he Two of the world’s youngest became Monaco’s youngest player at stars face their biggest age 16 years and 347 days – beating Thierry Henry’s long-standing record. tests yet. By Marshall Gouts The Frenchman subsequently toppled Henry's record of being the club’s youngest goal-scorer too; providing more substance to the claims that he could be as good as Henry one day. ‘OUSMANE PLAYS ON BOTH SIDES OF ATTACK AND CAN ALSO PLAY AS A CENTRE FORWARD, SO HE BRINGS A LOT OF POSSIBILITIES’

ALEX CAPARROS/JEAN CATUFFE/PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES CATUFFE/PATRIK ALEX CAPARROS/JEAN – ERNESTO VALVERDE

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Mbappe was gradually eased into THE RISE AND RISE* the first team and last season’s How the two young stars’ campaign made the world take market values have increased notice of his talent. He finished with a total of 26 goals in 44 Mbappe appearances in all competitions June 2015: €50 000 as he helped lead Leonardo January 2016: €50 000 Jardim’s side to their first Ligue 1 June 2016: €1.5-million title in 17 years. The teenager’s astonishing 20 goals in 23 games January 2017: €10-million across all competitions in France August 2017: €35-million ended PSG’s dominance and certainly helped his rising stock, Dembele June 2015: €250 000 but it could have been even more had he not played a bit-part role January 2016: €3-million in the early part of the season. June 2016: €14-million Critics who claimed Mbappe’s January 2017: €28-million eye-catching performances were The number of months August 2017: €33-million due to Monaco’s dominance in the Dembele will be sidelined league were quickly muted when after a thigh injury in *According to transfermarkt.com September’s win over Getafe he announced his arrival on the 4 Champions League scene in the knockout stages, netting five goals in four games against Manchester City and Dortmund. ‘Among the players of his age, Kylian is the most promising in the world due to immense technical, physical and mental qualities,’ said PSG president Nasser Al- Khelaifi, who sanctioned the deal to bring Mbappe to Paris. Former coach Jardim said that, despite Mbappe’s incredible form, the youngster can become more deadly given the benefit of time and playing alongside established stars such as Edinson Cavani and Neymar. ‘He works well, he progresses and he understands his role. He’s going to get to a very high level,’ said Jardim. ‘AMONG THE PLAYERS ‘But any buyer is also getting a player OF HIS AGE, KYLIAN IS who is producing world-class displays in the here and now.’ THE MOST PROMISING PSG will no doubt possess a quality IN THE WORLD DUE TO product in Mbappe and if his start to life with PSG is anything to go by (two goals IMMENSE TECHNICAL, in his first four games in all competitions), expect the attacking trio of Cavani, Neymar PHYSICAL AND and Mbappe to grab the headlines in the MENTAL QUALITIES’ same way Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez did at Barcelona. What follows that

– NASSER AL-KHELAIFI is anyone’s guess. IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES GANDUL/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY STEVENS/J.P. JEAN CATUFFE/FREDERIC

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eee s Me.indd 2017/09/2 2:15 PM Cellini Carnival - Foschini Escapes Mag June 2017.pdf 1 2017/04/10 02:13:22 PM

CMY

Cellini.indd 1 2017/06/22 3:31 PM Cellini.indd 1 2017/04/11 12:25 PM FLASHBACK

THREE IN A ROW SoccerClub takes a Manchester United claimed a third successive Premier League title retrospective look at (their 14th English title), making Sir Alex Ferguson the first manager what happened in 2001. to win three successive leagues with the same club. The Red Devils By Alasdair Fraser surged ahead at the start of the season The Year and looked to have wrapped up the 2001 league by Christmas. A 6-1 drubbing of their closest rivals Arsenal in late- February followed and they confirmed their status as champions by the end That Was of March. Ferguson treated himself by signing Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron at the end of another big campaign.

PIRATES PIP CHIEFS The 2000-01 PSL campaign was akin to a season-long Soweto derby as the Sea Robbers claimed the league. The SMS Buccaneers finished with 61 points to SMS SOCCER + Chiefs’ 60, while Sundowns, chasing a your feedback to 44002 fourth consecutive title, were just another and you may win a PSL replica jersey to the value point behind. It was Pirates’ first PSL win of R899! Remember to since the league’s inauguration and Gordon include your account Igesund’s second since guiding Manning number in your message Rangers to the title in 1996-97.

GOLDEN ERA Bafana Bafana marked the 10th anniversary of the formation of Safa by qualifying for their second successive Fifa World Cup. It capped off a highly successful period for the national team, which saw four successive Africa Cup of Nations appearances and included their first Afcon title in 1996. Under Carlos Queiroz, Bafana, with stars such as Benni McCarthy (above), Shaun Bartlett, Phil Masinga and Lucas Radebe, qualified with a match to spare after beating Zimbabwe 2-1 at Soccer City.

9s 2001.indd 2017/09/22 2: PM OTHER EVENTS IN 2001 FALSE DAWN Liverpool fans were treated to a season of wondrous delight – one that had the Kop Two passenger airliners crashed into the believing an elusive league title was just around the corner, but it proved to be only a glimmer of hope. The Reds claimed the League Cup and annexed the FA Cup with World Trade Center, leaving 2 996 dead, in a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium thanks to heroics by Michael Owen a series of terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda (below). They followed that up with a Uefa Cup title after dispatching Spanish club Alaves in the final with a dramatic 5-4 win in extra time.

Forty-three fans lost their lives during the Soweto derby at Ellis Park Australia broke the world record for the biggest win in an international with a 31-0 victory over American Samoa in a World Cup qualifier Real Madrid signed Juventus’ French GERMAN ENGINEERING midfielder Zinedine Zidane for a then Bayern Munich secured a fourth European Cup title when they beat Valencia 5-4 on world record transfer fee of €72-million penalties in the Uefa Champions League final at the San Siro in Milan. The 1999 and 2000 losing finalists respectively squared off in a thrilling encounter that finished 1-1 after extra TOP SONG OF 2001 time. The powerful German club avenged the disappointment of losing to Manchester United in the dying minutes of the 1999 final by seeing off the Red Devils in the quarter- by a M finals, before triumphing over defending champions Real Madrid in the semis. ing om g e n n a t ‘H ’

Lifehouse HIGHEST GROSSING FILM OF 2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

GARY M PRIOR/FERRAN PAREDES/DUIF DU TOIT/ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN/REUTERS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES M PRIOR/FERRAN PAREDES/DUIF GARY $974 755 371

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9s 2001.indd 7 2017/09/22 2: PM WHOIS? Family Anthony Gordinho is ready to make a name for himself. By Mazola Molefe

or most footballers, being constantly compared to a sibling who’s a bit more popular can be annoying; it’s an endlessF battle to move out of their shadow. But not so for Bidvest Wits’ Anthony Gordinho, who lights up when asked if he would like to emulate his well-known brother, Lorenzo, a Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana central defender with over 60 games for the club. ‘I think I have more flair, I’m faster and probably much stronger than him,’ Anthony, who is a year younger than his established sibling, tells SoccerClub. ‘I can play as a defender and played in an attacking role in midfield before I moved to a holding role. He is my brother and there is no way I can’t be happy for him. Growing up we shared the same room for 18 years. And I can only dream The number of games of being like someone who has played Gordinho played for Shaun so many games for Chiefs and managed Bartlett’s AmaTuks side to represent our national team. ‘People ask me if I ever get tired of being compared to him and my response is, “Not at all”. If someone asks if I want to be like my brother, I say, “Definitely”.’ CHECK US OUT AT 22 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA

50 .indd 2017/09/29 10:21 AM WHOIS? WIN A FOSCHINI GROUP GIFT CARD WORTH R2 500 All SoccerClub subscribers will be automatically entered into selected competitions in the magazine. Every month there will be a random draw. All winners need to be active subscribers of SoccerClub in order to qualify. The competitions FamilyValues close on 30 November 2017. Anthony Gordinho is ready to Gordinho, 22, appears far from settled. but Wits aren’t short of match winners Gordinho has gone through great lengths make a name for himself. He joined the PSL champions Wits in and players with ‘flair’ in midfield, with to improve. ‘I went through the Chiefs’ August as a free agent from SuperSport veteran Steven Pienaar, Granwald Scott, development structure, like my brother,’ By Mazola Molefe United, where he had been loaned out Ben Motshwari, Thabang Monare and he says. ‘But I felt I needed to leave to NFD outfit University of Pretoria. Daylon Claasen among his competitors. because I was younger. I went overseas or most footballers, ‘I played just over 22 games and Gavin ‘When I get my chance, it’s going to be to try and secure a permanent move. being constantly Hunt [the Wits coach] saw me,’ Gordinho crazy,’ says Gordinho. ‘Some people say ‘Soon after I matriculated I went to compared to a explains. ‘It’s been tough for me, but it’s I am losing what I got last season at Tuks England and got a trial at Leicester City sibling who’s a bit coming along slowly but surely. I’m not by not playing and sitting watching others while they were still in the Championship. more popular can sure why it has taken me this long to ahead of me. That’s not the case. I have ‘I was there for a month. They had be annoying; it’s an break out. Maybe it’s not my time yet. learned what I need to work on because sent an email to say I was good enough endlessF battle to move out ‘But I have been working hard in of the different intensity and level of football to play at that level, but then it just fell of their shadow. training. I’m content and confident here at Wits. through. That’s how the decision to play But not so for Bidvest Wits’ I will play this season.’ ‘I try every day to work on my game for Ajax came about when I was back Anthony Gordinho, who lights up when That Hunt felt he was good enough so that when I do get a chance I'm on in South Africa.’ asked if he would like to emulate his to sign for the reigning league champions par with the other guys. If you shy away well-known brother, Lorenzo, a Kaizer means Gordinho is undoubtedly talented, from competition you will never improve.’ Chiefs and Bafana central defender FAST with over 60 games for the club. ‘I think I have more flair, I’m faster FACTS and probably much stronger than him,’ DATE OF BIRTH: 25 June 1995 Anthony, who is a year younger than PLACE OF BIRTH: Benoni, Gauteng his established sibling, tells SoccerClub. POSITION: Midfielder ‘I can play as a defender and played JERSEY NUMBER: 22 in an attacking role in midfield before FORMER CLUBS: Kaizer Chiefs, Ajax Cape Town, I moved to a holding role. He is my brother Tuks, SuperSport United and there is no way I can’t be happy for him. Growing up we shared the same room for 18 years. And I can only dream The number of games of being like someone who has played Gordinho played for Shaun so many games for Chiefs and managed Bartlett’s AmaTuks side to represent our national team. ‘People ask me if I ever get tired of being compared to him and my response is, “Not at all”. If someone asks if I want to be like my brother, I say, “Definitely”.’ CHECK US OUT AT 22 WWW.TFGSOCCERCLUB.CO.ZA IMAGES MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO LEFTY SHIVAMBU/SYDNEY

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50 .indd 2017/09/29 10:21 AM 50 .indd 9 2017/09/29 10:21 AM whois?

TFG FRAUD ALERT big brother is wAtChing STAY INFORMED. STAY ALERT. ALWAYS.

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‘Anthony is a hard-working, determined and confident player who believes in his ability on the field,’ says INTERESTED? Lorenzo. ‘He has grown and matured in his game over SMS ‘FA’ & your TFG store the past few years and his move to Wits has come at account number to 45387. the right time for his career. I’m sure that once he gets Standard SMS rates apply. the opportunity to play, he will perform and compete for a regular place within the team. And yes, he has more flair because he is a midfielder.’ ‘i hAve leArned whAt i need to work on beCAUse of the different intensity And level of footbAll here At wits’

Listening to him talk, although he is slightly out of breath after a tough training session at Wits on the day, Gordinho comes across as extremely level-headed. It’s not hard to see why his game thrives under Hunt, who he says was a factor in him joining a side where he knew he would have to work a lot harder before he makes his first PSL appearance. ‘you have to think a lot faster when you play with good PI x players,’ Gordinho explains. ‘I am learning to be a lot more intelligent. you need to be clever, faster and stronger. Terms and Conditions apply and can be viewed that is everything I am working on. my passing game on our website at http://bit.ly/2rNTaDy e ILKISKy/BACKPAG also has to improve, especially if I am in a midfield and

need to make sure the ball gets to my teammates.’ Ry AN W

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rd Aert.indd 1 2017/09/13 2:09 PM whois? ISSUE 87 TFG FRAUD ALERT big brother is wAtChing STAY INFORMED. KNOW YOUR GAME STAY ALERT. ALWAYS. IN OUR For only R4.50 per month charged NEXT ISSUE … to your TFG store account, you can receive SMS alerts sent to Can Sundowns do it your cellphone every time a purchase of more than R100 is made all again? using your TFG store account Who is Wiseman Meyiwa? card, providing you with detail on the value of the purchase made on Wits unleash Amr Gamal your TFG store account, and when Klopp: The right man for and where it was made. Liverpool?

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rd Aert.indd 1 2017/09/13 2:09 PM otsorts.indd 1 2017/09/1 9:7 AM HIGHBURY MEDIA CONGRATULATIONS! Editorial Director Gary Lemke Soccer Editor Wade Pretorius AUGUST WINNERS Winning Streak competitions Managing Editor Alasdair Fraser TFG Shopping Spree gift cards Samsung Galaxy E 9.6: Mr D Masipa, Group Deputy Sports Editor Philippa Byron Thamsanqa Gabuza: Mr O Gogo, Saldanha Bay Germiston Art Director Stuart Apsey Coach’s Corner: Mr S Nyembe, Madadeni Samsung 40-inch LCD TV: Production Manager Rushaan Holliday Who Is?: Mr Y Tutuka, Mfuleni Mr G Maphosa, Constantia Deputy Production Manager Maggie Wasserfall PSL Round-Up: Mrs N Ndlovu, Brackenfell R1 000 Shoprite gift card: Mrs J Lawack, Bethelsdorp Sales Director Clive Kotze Sales Manager Ari Kasimov Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ferguson Terms and conditions (for subscribers) 1 You have subscribed to SoccerClub magazine, a publication of Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Ltd (‘TFG’). 2 Your TFG account will Managing Director Tony Walker be billed monthly for the magazine. 3 Should you not wish to be billed for the magazine when your account has a zero balance, Production Director Bilqees Allie please advise us of this. 4 You may be charged interest on your subscription amount monthly, if the payment plan that you have Financial Director Lindsey Makrygiannis selected attracts interest. 5 You may cancel your SoccerClub subscription at any time by contacting our customer services centre Human Resource Director Rizqah Jakoet on 0860 576 576. 6 TFG reserves the right to cease publication of the magazine at any time in our sole and absolute discretion. 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otsorts.indd 1 2017/09/1 9:7 AM 53s do.indd 53 2017/09/2 1:10 PM Crunch Time SoccerClub looks at the crucial Fifa World Cup qualification permutations. By Alasdair Fraser

opa America champions Chile and Lionel Messi’s Argentina are in danger of missing out on football’s biggest party. As at the end of September, the 2014 World Cup finalists Cwere lying fifth in the Conmebol standings with 24 points from 16 games, while Chile were sixth with 23 points after crashing to a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia in La Paz. The September round of matches saw Argentina snatch a 1-1 draw against unfancied Venezuela thanks to a late own goal and they’ll have to fight hard if they are to avoid not appearing at a World Cup for the first time since 1970. Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted his team, who could face a playoff against New Zealand if they remain fifth, had blown a golden opportunity to force themselves into the automatic qualifying places. ‘We had three chances to score in the first half and everything could have been settled. We must continue to fight in attack and give strength to the players.’ Meanwhile, Brazil have already booked their trip to Russia and will look to bury the ghosts of their horror 7-1 semi-final exit to

eventual winners Germany. IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES CHRISTODOULOU/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY MARCELO ENDELLI/KATIA

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557A.indd 5 2017/09/2 3:5 PM INTERNATIONALWRAP

FIFA WORLD RANKINGS RANK COUNTRY POINTS 1 GERMANY 1 606 2 BRAZIL 1 590 3 PORTUGAL 1 386 4 ARGENTINA 1 325 5 BELGIUM 1 265 6 POLAND 1 250 7 SWITZERLAND 1 210 8 FRANCE 1 208 9 CHILE 1 195 10 COLOMBIA 1 191 11 SPAIN 1 184 12 PERU 1 103 13 WALES 1 089 14 MEXICO 1 085 15 ENGLAND 1 056 16 URUGUAY 1 043 17 ITALY 1 035 18 CROATIA 977 19 SLOVAKIA 967 EXPERT OPINION 20 NORTHERN IRELAND 945 LUKAKU SCORED A LATE SoccerClub predicts the European qualifiers* WINNER AGAINST GREECE Uruguay, Colombia and Peru remain GARY LEMKE MARSHALL GOUTS TO ENSURE THAT BELGIUM in line to automatically qualify for the France France finals should Argentina and Chile stay Switzerland Portugal BECAME THE FIRST in fifth and sixth respectively. Germany Germany EUROPEAN NATION TO BOOK In the Uefa zone qualifiers, Romelu Lukaku scored a late winner against Serbia Serbia THEIR PLACE IN THE FINALS Greece to ensure that Belgium became Poland Poland the first European nation to book their England England are punching above their weight in place in the finals. Spain Spain Group I and could feature in the playoffs. England and Germany are leading Turkey Croatia Group A’s France, Sweden and Holland their respective groups and are on course are gridlocked with Les Bleus narrowly in to feature in Russia 2018 after highly Portugal Switzerland front, while in Group B Switzerland and successful campaigns. Northern Ireland Italy Portugal are in pole position. Northern Ireland, sitting just behind Italy Sweden Spain and Italy are likely to grab Germany in Group C, look set win a Wales Wales the top spots in Group G, with the second-placed playoff berth, while latter set to compete in the playoffs *Belgium have qualified already Iceland, the darlings of Euro 2016, in late-November.

557A.indd 55 2017/09/2 3:5 PM INTERNATIONALWRAP

Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane continue to shine on the biggest stages in Europe Breaking Records GOLDEN BOY CRISTIANO RONALDO’S RECORD IN EUROPE* • Madeira’s favourite son made his 150th appearance in the European club competitions during Real Madrid’s clash with Borussia Dortmund on 26 September. • The Portugal star’s record in those 150 matches is spectacular. He has won 95, drawn 33 and lost just 23, earning him a 63% win ratio. • Ronaldo scored 112 goals in those fixtures for Madrid, Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon respectively, more than any other player, including Barcelona star and long-term rival Lionel Messi. • He has now scored in 15 countries and 24 cities against 33 different clubs. • The 32-year-old, who also reached 400 games for the club, has now played 146 times in the Champions League – including four qualifiers – and twice in the Europa League and Uefa Super Cup. • Los Blancos’ 3-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park saw his 293rd goal for Madrid in those 400 games since signing from United in 2009 for what was then a world-record fee of 94-million euros.

CLUB LEGEND Ronaldo’s career at Real Madrid in all competitions*

60 DRAWS 47 293 400 DEFEATS WINS APPS

411 GOALS 111 ASSISTS

557A.indd 5 2017/09/2 3:5 PM INTERNATIONALWRAP

Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane continue to shine on the biggest stages in Europe Breaking Records GOLDEN BOY TOP MARKSMAN CRISTIANO RONALDO’S RECORD IN EUROPE* HARRY KANE’S SIX HAT-TRICKS IN 2017* • Madeira’s favourite son made his 150th appearance in the Tottenham 4-0 West Brom (14 January) European club competitions during Real Madrid’s clash with Fulham 0-3 Tottenham (19 February) Borussia Dortmund on 26 September. Tottenham 4-0 Stoke City (26 February) • The Portugal star’s record in those 150 matches is spectacular. Leicester City 1-6 Tottenham (18 May) He has won 95, drawn 33 and lost just 23, earning him a 63% Hull City 1-7 Tottenham (21 May) win ratio. APOEL 0-3 Tottenham (26 September) • Ronaldo scored 112 goals in those fixtures for Madrid, Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon respectively, more Kane’s goals in 2017* than any other player, including Barcelona star and long-term GOAL MACHINE rival Lionel Messi. Harry Kane has scored 34 goals in 30 competitive • He has now scored in 15 countries and 24 cities against 33 appearances for Tottenham. He has scored against 46 different opponents during different clubs. his club career and against 36 different teams for Spurs • The 32-year-old, who also reached 400 games for the club, in all competitions. has now played 146 times in the Champions League – The England striker scored in his fourth successive including four qualifiers – and twice in the Europa League Champions League appearance – only the second English player to do this in the competition after Steven Gerrard and Uefa Super Cup. (five in a row). • Los Blancos’ 3-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park saw his 293rd He’s the seventh English player to score a Champions goal for Madrid in those 400 games since signing from United League hat-trick (after Andy Cole, Mike Newell, Michael in 2009 for what was then a world-record fee of 94-million euros. Owen, Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer and Danny Welbeck). Kane has scored more goals than these Premier League clubs since January 2017 CLUB LEGEND Ronaldo’s career at Real Madrid in all competitions*

60 DRAWS 47 293 400 DEFEATS WINS APPS HARRY KANE HARRY SOUTHAMPTON SWANSEA BURNLEY WATFORD STOKE CITY WEST BROM PALACE CRYSTAL 411 GOALS 111 ASSISTS 34 31332833273226 DOMENIC AQUILINA/SEAN DEMPSEY/ANGEL DIAZ/BACKPAGEPIX *All records are correct as at 28 September 2017

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557A.indd 5 2017/09/2 3:5 PM 557A.indd 57 2017/09/2 3:5 PM EXPERTOPINION

When Football GEORGE DEARNALEY Was reat former Bafana Bafana striker

’m older than most of you reading you wanted to see in the flesh. Every team this column, so please give me a few LOCAL CLUBS NEED had at least one. You knew their names, I minutes to tell you how it was in the you wanted to go and see them, and you ‘old days’ of local football. TO WAKE UP. THEY looked forward to the clash between these Firstly, we used to have curtain-raisers. NEED AN IDENTITY AND juggernauts of local football. The game Many of you may never have heard that was all about players and entertainment. expression – it comes from the old theatre MARKETING STRATEGY Sadly, modern football is dominated by days when a supporting act would be on AND THEY MUST ENGAGE politics, club owners and negative media. stage to get you ‘warmed up’ and then It’s all about results, the media experts they raised the curtain for the main show. WITH THE FANS MORE explain, as if the teams in the 1970s and In football terms, it was a match of little ’80s played to lose. The modern local game importance to the spectators before the three hours before kick-off – in case they has got quicker, and smarter, and has more main game, but it was something to see killed the grass or something. I’m not too exposure than ever before. The money is and gave you extra value for your ticket. sure about this part, but there’re no more pouring in, but for every extra million that Some of the curtain-raisers became the curtain-raisers. is added to the prize money, a few more main entertainment, especially if it was a We also used to have PROs. That’s thousand fans stay away from the grounds. match between very good junior teams, not a short word for a professional – Why? Simple. We are not entertained. women’s teams or even the old legends but public relations officers. They Posting the match details on your who could barely run around but always were tasked with marketing matches Facebook page or sending out a tweet brought entertainment. and getting the crowds into the stadium. won’t win hearts and minds. You need Then the PSL set some new rules after They were people you actually to get in front of people and give them the World Cup and no curtain-raisers recognised. ‘Goldfinger’ at Sundowns, the speech of your life; convince them were allowed to be played on the field ‘Sprinter’ at Kaizer Chiefs and the king of to invest their money and time watching them all – Abdul Bhamjee of the NSL. your team when they have other options. Every match was a humdinger. Local clubs need to wake up. They He made you want to go and watch need an identity and marketing strategy because it was either a relegation and they must engage with the fans more. dogfight or a title-deciding match. Varsity soccer had better crowds He had every adjective on the tip than a lot of PSL games this season. of his motivational tongue and his I know it’s free – but I’d rather have my flamboyant suits and dazzling golden team playing in front of packed stands jewellery were enough to convince every week for nothing than in front of 25 anyone that this was a man who knew paying customers who spend their whole what the magic time moaning about wasting their money. SMS of football was Do whatever it takes to get a crowd, SMS SOCCER + all about. entertain them, sell them your replica your feedback to 44002 Between the jersey and get them to buy a season and you may win a PSL curtain-raisers ticket that includes the best seats in replica jersey to the value and the fast- the house and a whole host of benefits. of R899! Remember to talking PROs Make it worth their while or continue include your account number in your message were also the playing in front of empty stadiums and actual players – wonder why the kids of today support

the personalities PSG and Barcelona. IMAGES NEIL EGERTON/GALLO

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erne.indd 5 2017/09/22 12:57 PM EXPERTOPINION

When Football GEORGE DEARNALEY Was reat former Bafana Bafana striker

the personalities PSG and Barcelona. IMAGES NEIL EGERTON/GALLO

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erne.indd 5 2017/09/22 12:57 PM Mica.indd0034809_DIY 1 Depot TFG Soccer Club 198 x260 Update July 2017.indd 1 2017/07/242017/07/21 9:063:01 AMPM Turbo Energy.indd 1 2017/01/24 1:42 PM