Soccerzela • Issue 10 • 2020

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL! ISSUE 10 | WWW.SOCCERZELA.CO.ZA

SOCCERZELA THE PSL

Heartbreak, happiness, edge of your seat action

CAF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

LEGS OF THUNDER!

The Jerry Sikhosana story

THE ‘HUNT’ IS OVER Kaizer Chiefs’ new coach

BAFANA BAFANA

On the road to AFCON 2021 and beyond

ZELA EXCLUSIVE!

SHUAIB WALTERS STAYS ‘ON GOAL’

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL www.soccerzela.co.za Editor-in-Chief: Zaahid Nanabhay Tel: +27 61 495 1387 info@soccerzela.co.za Managing Director: Imraan Mahomed imraan@isikhova.co.za Publishing Director: Jason Aarons jason@isikhova.co.za Operations Director: Thuli Majola thuli@isikhova.co.za Creative Director: Joanne Brook joanne@isikhova.co.za Sales Director: Jenny Justus Tel: +27 83 450 6052 jenny@isikhova.co.za Advertising sales Ruwayda Mahomed Tel: +27 72 383 3203 ruwayda@isikhova.co.za

ED’S note Welcome back to Issue 10 of Soccerzela monthly magazine!

It may be the off-season but there’s still plenty happening for us to produce yet another jam-packed, brilliant and onpoint magazine for you. Firstly, congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns for bagging the 2019/20 campaign and welcome back to Swallows FC. Gavin Hunt to Kaizer Chiefs! A huge statement of intent by the Amakhosi but will their relationship prove to be fruitful? We took a look at Hunt’s coaching journey and why his previous successes will leave Kaizer Chiefs fans highly optimistic following his arrival at the Glamour Boys.

CAF have announced the ground breaking Women’s Champions League and our female football correspondent, Sinethemba

Ian Starnes Tel: +27 82 052 8428 ian@isikhova.co.za

Mbatha walks us through what we can expect from the

Jonathan Yarwood Tel: +27 82 407 8627 jonno@isikhova.co.za

should SAFA come out trumps in the ongoing bidding process.

Fuad Kolia Tel: +27 82 777 7443 fuad@isikhova.co.za

the 90s with an abundance of lifetime memories courtesy of

Contributors Dylan Bettencourt, Happy Masango, Sinethemba Mbatha, Pro Philani.

inaugural edition which may very well be hosted in South Africa

Jerry ‘legs of thunder’ Sikhosana left many football fans during his killer instinct. We relive his roller-coaster ride of a journey which saw him go from hero to zero, but then most importantly, back to hero.

We also caught up with SuperSport United starlet Felix Noge on his incredible rise in professional football, while former goalkeeping stalwart Shuaib Walters talked us through his career and post-retirement football plans.

Isikhova Media Address: 10th Floor, Metal Box, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, South Africa Tel: +27 11 883 4627 www.isikhova.co.za

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Zaahid Nanabhay Editor-in-chief

The views and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers and neither the publishers nor Soccerzela accept responsibility for them. No person connected with the publication of this magazine will be liable for any loss or damage sustained as a result of action following any statements or opinions expressed herein. The same applies to all advertising. Soccerzela© 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publishers.

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Soccerzela is an accredited member of the PSL

ISSUE 10

CONTENTS

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CHAT CORNER CATCHING UP WITH FELIX NOGE

ZELA EXCLUSIVE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SHUAIB WALTERS

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contents

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BAFANA BAFANA ON THE ROAD TO AFCON 2021 AND BEYOND

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CAF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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THE PSL 2019/2020 - A SEASON FULL OF SURPRISES

TALKING POINT THE ‘HUNT’ IS OVER

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LEGS OF THUNDER! THE JERRY SIKHOSANA STORY

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CHAT CORNER

BY HAPPY MASANGO

Felix Noge sent shockwaves through the Multichoice Diski Challenge after scoring an incredible goal from within his own half for SuperSport United. The 22-year old Ficksburg born midfielder rose to prominence in the highly talented Matsatsantsa reserve team before making the jump to senior football with JDR Stars in the GladAfrica Championship courtesy of a loan deal.

For Noge, winning the Premier Soccer League at least thrice is on the agenda while securing a move abroad is

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CATCHING UP WITH

FELIX NOGE ISSUE 10

CHAT CORNER

top priority. Hlompho Kekana’s influence on the youngster is highly visible while his goal from the half-way line already suggests he’s following in the footsteps of the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns captain.

A product of the famed Harmony Sports Academy, Noge already earned a place in the national under-17 team in 2014 before being snapped up by SuperSport United. We caught up with the rising star regarding his time out in the GladAfrica Championship, where to next for him and we also investigated ‘that goal’ from the man himself.

Q: Talk us through your journey into football, at what age did you realise this is what you want to do A: My Journey into football was an extremely difficult one. I started playing school football when I was 6 years old. I won my

I AM WILLING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN THE PSL TITLE MORE THAN THREE TIMES. first provincial cup at the age of 8 for my primary school and that’s where I realised I can make it through football.

Q: How did you join the SuperSport United academy?

A: I used to play for the Harmony Sports Academy in Virginia (Free State). I started there in 2013 and in 2014 I got my first national call up for the Amajimbos. I think that’s where SuperSport United saw my talent and joining them became possible.

Q: How has life out in the GladAfrica Championship being treating you?

A: It’s been a great experience playing with a team that is competing to win the league. I’ve

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learned a lot from the GladAfrica Championship and also from the experienced players who are in the league. I also feel I am super ready to play in the PSL, but I will just wait for my time and use it wisely when it comes.

Ultimately the experience was of huge benefit to me, as I gained valuable experience and skills.

Q: What are your long-term goals?

A: I am willing to do whatever it takes to win the PSL title more than three times. Also, to make money and invest, open up businesses and secure my life if I don’t make it to play overseas which is my ultimate dream.

Q: Your favourite footballer of all time and why?

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A: My favourite player is Hlompho Kekana from Mamelodi Sundowns because he’s a hard worker and is so humble. He’s basically my inspiration at all times - he would advise me to keep pushing, and that he wants to see me in PSL, which is what I’m working hard for. He’s definitely my favourite player and I wish to emulate his successes.

Q: How do you relax away from football?

A: I sometimes go out with my ex-team mates for lunches or go to the zoo and take photographs.

Later on I would go to the Union Buildings and put in extra work as I know the position I am playing demands endurance.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring footballers?

To the upcoming football stars, I would advise them not lose faith and keep pushing because at the end of the day you will never know who’s watching. And again, they must balance football with schoolwork because football is a short career.

Q: Talk me through ‘that goal’?

A: Scoring from the halfway line is something I’ve always wanted to do from what I saw in my favourite player, Hlompho Kekana. I practiced how to do it and only got it right during the last two weeks of the league games. It really was a brilliant goal that meant a lot to my

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SCORING FROM THE HALFWAY LINE IS SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

family, friends, SuperSport United family and the people.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent and score a goal like that.

Q: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

A: I would change the behaviour of most of the young and older players to be better. I’m talking about most soccer players’ lifestyle. Sometimes we as soccer players don’t take good care of our bodies, something that puts bread on the table. I would change that to see most of the soccer players doing good and retiring after enjoying lengthy careers, thanks to the effort and concern they have for their bodies. Ù

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ZELA EXCLUSIVE

His journey and playing passion remain ‘on goal’

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH

SHUAIB WALTERS

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Q: Talk me through your journey into football? At what age did you realise football is the career path you’d like to follow?

A: I realised when I was 17-years old playing in my first Bayhill tournament this was what I wanted to do as a profession. It was only in 2000 at my second Bayhill with Milano playing against the likes of Naasif morris,Thando Ngomeni, Shaun Permall, Brett Evans, did I tell myself I want this dream to go all the way.

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

Shuaib Walters was a standard feature in South African football for more than 15-years after having plied his trade for the likes of Bloemfontein Celtic, Maritzburg United, Cape Town City and Jax Cape Town. The goalkeeper retired last year after making over 250 appearances in the South African top-flight.

Walters hung up his boots when injury cut short his season with Ajax Cape Town in the National First Division. He remains though still very much in tune with the beautiful game and has longterm ambitions in giving back to South Africa through football.

We caught up with the former Telkom Knockout winner regarding his goalkeeping academy as well as his plans to purchase a club of his own, while we got the inside scoop on his 2010 FIFA World Cup journey as well.

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I REMEMBER CALLING MY MOM AT 2AM AFTER SITTING IN AWE FOR AN HOUR IN MY CHAIR. SHE ASKED ME “IS JY ORAAIT MY SEUN? WIET MANIGAL?”

Q: The 2010 FIFA World Cup, talk me through the experience inside the Bafana Bafana camp?

A: The 2010 World Cup squad was pretty intimidating to be honest as it started with me getting a call to fly to Brazil in March to replace the injured Emile Baron.

So already, I had been disappointed not to make the initial three. having to refocus the opportunity to make the squad was tough.

Arriving in Brazil, you’re with the best the country has to offer.

In April/May 2010 we were in Germany when Rowen Fernandez joined the camp. Then we were four keepers competing for three spots. The camps were always nice because everyone was so down to earth, even Pareira himself. The announcement of the final 23 out 30 players was made at 1am after our final preparation match - the feeling is unexplainable. So many emotions that you go through - from anxiety to relief

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to being happy and then being overwhelmed. I remember calling my mom at 2am after sitting in awe for an hour in my chair. She asked me “is jy oraait my seun?

Wiet manigal?”.

producing young goalkeepers?

Q: In your opinion, is South Africa improving in terms of

Most young keepers depend on

If not, what do you think is holding us back?

A: We are not producing enough goalkeepers because it’s still not characterised as important. their natural talent to get them

through, hence not many keepers are playing in higher and stronger leagues abroad. Our education in goalkeeper coaching is not where it’s supposed to be for the amount of resources we have in our country. But the expectation level of our goalkeeper coaches is also low. UEFA qualified goalkeeper coaches are foreign, and I want to change that. Most of the GK coaches getting recognised are also foreign; only one, Andre Arendse with Ronwen, is local.

Q: You’ve worked under some of the finest South African coaches, which specific coach do you think helped improve you the most?

A: Mushin Ertugral, 34-year old playing for Mpumalanga Black Aces made me nominee for goalkeeper of the season. The way he drilled me, belittled me, pushed me. You either excel or crumble under him. I obviously excelled under his type of mentorship.

Q: Being a goalkeeper means there’s nobody to shoulder your mistakes for you. Talk me through the mental side of things during your career. How did you cope with mistakes and remain positive throughout?

OUR EDUCATION IN GOALKEEPER COACHING IS NOT WHERE IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE FOR THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES WE HAVE IN OUR COUNTRY.

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A: Making mistakes is part of football, GKs are always known to be a little bit crazy and that characteristic you need when making costly errors in goals.

It helps you not to dwindle on them, because after your mistake the next decision is what’s most important. I instil that in my young goalkeepers. Who at their age still shed a tear when they conceded from an error? I tell them I don’t mind the mistake, I mind what happens next. And that builds you not to make many mistakes including working on concentration drills with them which I feel helps.

Q:Tell me more about the Shuaib Walters goalkeeping academy, where is it based in?

Is it open to the public?

A: The GK academy is based in JHB because I feel it has a bigger demographic this side to build awareness about lack

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of goalkeeper development. It’s open to the public, to aspiring young goalkeepers and/or also to young goalkeepers who enjoy the position. They can check us out on social media. Our first graduate will be attending a trial at CT City FC once he finishes his matric exams, so we are on the right track.

IT WAS ONLY IN 2000 . . . DID I TELL MYSELF I WANT THIS DREAM TO GO ALL THE WAY. Q: You recently expressed your desire to purchase an ABC Motsepe League club in Johannesburg. Is this your l ong term plan? Are you keen on eventually owning a topflight club?

A: The Motsepe status came about after having a conversation with a guy who shares the same views as I. He then asked would I be keen on partnering with him to try to give young footballers a good platform to showcase their talent. We are looking at Gauteng and North West, currently weighing up the pros and cons of both provinces. For the first few seasons we will look at building something sustainable and obviously playing to win; but like I said, it’s more about having a platform to showcase talent.

Success for us would be leaving our club as better individuals and then as better footballers to bigger clubs and stronger leagues. If you were to gain promotion in Glad then into PSL, I would take on the challenge as I do feel a passion on the administration side of football.

But for now we work on short term goals. Ù

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WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

HOW WILL THE CAF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BENEFIT THE

WOMEN’S GAME?

BY SINETHEMBA MBATHA

After the cancellation of the Africa Women’s Nations Cup due to “difficult conditions” which the Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not elucidate much on - there was a huge uproar across various social media platforms that CAF does not take Women’s football seriously.

Players, coaches and journalists all shared the same sentiments.

Nigeria’s women’s national team and Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, was one of the players who did not hold back from expressing her disappointment in CAF for cancelling the women’s competition. She and many others described it as “a step back for the women’s game”.

After the cancellation of the Africa Women’s Nations Cup, the CAF announced the inaugural Africa Women’s Champions league which is set to take place in 2021, and continue annually with at least 10 teams taking, part according to the CAF president Ahmad Ahmad. Even with this announcement there were still mixed emotions with some players stating the women’s game should be professionalised first, before the focus shifts to the Women’s Champions League.

Professionalisation of the women’s game means it is treated as a profession with a structure and decent living wages, which

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would free female footballers from the strain of also having side jobs in order to have a decent a living. This is something their male counterparts don’t have to deal with because they are paid enough.

Over the course of the season in South Africa we witnessed how different teams lacked resources because there are no sponsors in women’s football. This was one of the concerns amongst supporters, with one supporter asking: “With the launch of the CAF Women’s Champions League, how many women’s teams will have the resources to travel around the continent to partake in this competition”.

This question proved to be one of

the gabs that will come with the competition.

Despite the challenges that could come with the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League, this article aims to bring to light some of the benefits which could come with this particular competition.

What is the CAF Women’s Champions League and how will it benefit the Women’s game in Africa?

Just like the male version of the competition, where top clubs from across the continent compete against each other for the prize money, incentives, the star above the club crest and bragging rights, the women’s competition will be no different.

The one exception is with the

PROFESSIONALISATION OF THE WOMEN’S GAME MEANS IT IS TREATED AS A PROFESSION WITH A STRUCTURE AND DECENT LIVING WAGES.

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number of teams competing due to the fact we do not have many women football teams on the continent. However, this will be a competition where top female clubs across Africa compete with each other. The competition will be similar to the continuously growing Women’s UEFA Champions League.

Domestic Leagues are a great start to unearth new talent and compete. Domestic competitions on the other hand cannot be the only source for female footballers to display their talent and to draw interest from big leagues across the world, where most players dream of playing their trade. This is why the launch of the CAF Women’s Champions League is important: it will allow more female footballers to display their talent with not only Africa watching, but with the rest of the world too. This competition will provide women with an opportunity to be scouted and will also give hope to aspiring female footballers and allow them to find role models in Africa. If the competition gains momentum, it will further influence more clubs to establish women’s teams.

The African football governing body confirmed eight clubs will take part in the finals with one each emerging from the six zones, and an additional team picked from a wild card to join

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the hosts. CAF also confirmed the zone with the hosts will produce two teams for the maiden edition but one in future editions of the event.

“Each of the Six CAF Zones will organize qualifiers to determine the finalists for the eight-team tournament,” CAF confirmed.

“The breakdown is one team from each zone, one team from the host country and one additional team. For the maiden edition, the zonal union of the host country will have two representatives. However, for subsequent editions, the host country will have only one representative whilst the Zonal Union of the defending champion will qualify two teams.

“Format of the competition, the eight qualified teams will be drawn into two groups of four teams each in accordance with the regulations. The competition will be held annually and during the second half of the year.”

The level of competition in any continental competition is a different ball game compared to domestic leagues. We have seen this with the CAF Champions League where top performing players went on to do well for their respective national teams.

This means having teams participate in the Women’s Champions League will be a big boost for different national teams

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and will enable them to compete with the best in the world.

will be held at SAFA House.”

SAFA revealed.

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup displayed an improvement in African football with both Cameroon and Nigeria making it through to the knockout stages of the competition. This was proof that with more competitive action on the continent, the improvement will be greater. And we certainly hope this is what the CAF Women’s Champions League will do for women’s football on our continent.

The CAF Women’s Champions League tournament will provide further incentive for the domestic SAFA Women’s Premier Football League (SWPFL) participants. The SWPFL was launched last year and Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s team won the inaugural edition. The second edition is expected to kick off early next year.

DOMESTIC LEAGUES ARE A GREAT START TO UNEARTH NEW TALENT AND COMPETE.

SAFA to bid to host inaugural Champions League Speaking after the marathon meeting, SAFA President and CAF Vice-President, Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed the announcement as Africa takes a giant step towards growing women’s football to new heights. SAFA has expressed interest in hosting the first CAF Women Champions League tournament and will submitted the bid after the NEC meeting this Saturday, 12 September 2020. The SAFA NEC meeting

Dr Jordaan said the CAF Women’s Club Champions League will give further incentives for domestic winners.

FIFA will also soon launch the Women’s Club championship which will further boost the local and continental games together. Dr Jordaan expressed his satisfaction at the outcome of the CAF meeting, as the continental body has endorsed the addition of the number of African teams which will take part in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled for Australia/New Zealand in 2023. ‘’With most of our Banyana Banyana players playing overseas, South Africa will be looking to qualify for their second consecutive FIFA World Cup in 2023 after the France 2019 expedition. These are exciting times for women’s football, not only in South Africa but on the continent.” Ù

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BY DYLAN BETTENCOURT

Gavin Hunt has been named as the new manager of Kaizer Chiefs following the departure of Ernst Middendorp after Amakhosi’s slump in the league during the 2019/20 team. Soccerzela’s Dylan Bettencourt takes a look at the new Amakhosi boss and why he is the man to revive the Soweto team back to glory.

Hunt who began his managerial career in 1995 with Seven Stars, has had an illustrious career as a manager thus far, with the 56-year-old considered one of the best South African managers to ever grace the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

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THE HUNT IS

OVER The former right-back had spells managing Hellenic FC, Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows before he made his big move to Supersport United where he made a name for himself, winning the PSL trophy three years in a row as well as winning the Nedbank Cup in 2012.

Hunt made his move to the Clever Boys in 2013 and won the clubs first ever PSL title in the 2016/17 which is a memory fans of the club will remember for a lifetime.

Hunt also managed to win the MTN8 as well as the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2017. He and his men at Bidvest Wits remained competitive throughout his stay which is highly impressive considering the budget he had to work with at the club.

Perhaps the best achievement for Gavin Hunt was leading both Bidvest Wits and Supersport United to their first-ever PSL trophies with both clubs failing to win the trophy again. Hunt who has his A coaching license

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took two clubs who had never won the league title before his arrival, and in this case, Supersport has not managed to redo this honour.

Only one manager has more PSL winners’ medals than Hunt and that is none other than Pitso Mosimane who has five league title wins to Hunt’s four. These two managers are the only two to have ever retained the title three consecutive times.

In Hunt’s personal achievements, he has been awarded with the award of coach of the year on four separate occasions which is an honour only one other manager has managed, Mosimane.

Hunt remains the longest active serving coach in the PSL, managing well over 500 games in his career and has been ever-present in the league since he took charge of Black Leopards in 2001.

The win rate of the former rightback is around 50% which is only second to the Mamelodi

Sundowns boss who has close to a 55% win rate, however Hunt has managed a significant amount more as well as managing sides with considerably lower budgets which makes his win rate all the more impressive in comparison.

Gavin Hunt has managed to accumulate eight major honours, including four PSL trophies during his time in South African football and will no doubt be looking to add to that number in the near future with the manager being confirmed as the new Kaizer Chiefs manager.

“We looked at our situation and our needs before deciding on Gavin,” Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung said following Hunt’s appointment. “He brings with him an abundance of experience, having coached about five teams in the Premiership.

There is success wherever he has coached.

“Given the Covid-19 epidemic forced us to finish the season in the bio-bubble and that the squad will only rest for two weeks before the players return for pre-season, we needed a coach who understands the local market and conditions. We believe with Hunt we have brought in a

HUNT . . . IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST SOUTH AFRICAN MANAGERS TO EVER GRACE THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (PSL).

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person with the right experience and energy to do just that,” the Chairman explains the club’s choice of the new coach.

“Playing on the continent is key for us as we haven’t done as well as we should have. We have players who have participated in the competition and this experience should certainly be to our advantage.

“The other thing I have always emphasised is the need for coaches to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge. The game has changed and become much more scientific. We know Gavin always endeavours to learn more about the game by attending courses both locally and overseas. This knowledge will come in handy to guide our team. We are looking forward to him sharing his experience with the team.”

Fans of the Amakhosi have not seen their side lift a major trophy since the 2014/15 season which is criminal given the stature of the team from Soweto. Given the clubs trophy drought, there is no better fit to lead the team back to glory than a man who has won it all, Gavin Hunt. Although there have been suggestions that Hunt plays ‘boring’ football, it is effective and wins trophies which is what Chiefs are in desperate need of.

Hunt is without a doubt the right man to take over in Naturena, there is room for an argument

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that he is the best manager the PSL have ever seen, taking teams with a low budget right to the very top at two different clubs, winning everything South African football has to offer as well as maintaining a 50% win rate in his 19 year managerial career within the PSL. Chiefs need trophies and Hunt knows how to win them, at whatever cost that comes with.

Hunt has been known to favour winning points over playing good football and for the club’s sake, playing good football will be a bonus if they begin winning trophies again.

when Ernst Middendorp and Shaun Bartlett did an unbelievable job with this squad of players and were so unfortunate not to win. I really felt for them in the end but that’s football. But

CHIEFS NEED TROPHIES AND HUNT KNOWS HOW TO WIN THEM.

“We need to make sure we can try and improve on last year

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“It’s the most successful club in history but it’s been a few barren years and we need to turn it around. But as I said, let me get out on the pitch, that’s where it counts. If we get that right, everything else will take care of itself.”

Fans of the club will look forward to seeing how the seasoned manager does at their club and will hope Hunt will provide some much needed stability with only one manager since 1985 lasting more than five years, and that came from 1999 to 2004 with Ted Dumitru in charge at the time.

“It’s been an all of a sudden thing but I’m very privileged and honoured to be here,” Hunt said following his appointment.

Things only happened the last day or two. Sometimes in football, it’s all about timing.

Obviously, our club (Wits) was sold and it was an opportunity, and as I’ve said, the last day or two, things have happened and I’m very happy and excited to get working and see the capacity of the squad.

“It was unfortunate when the previous coaching staff left, I think it was last week, but nothing had happened until the last day or two. It’s been very professionally handled by a very professional club.

Kaizer Chiefs is huge. It’s really been an eye-opener for me today being here and seeing the setup.

But for me, the most important thing is to concentrate on the pitch. Try and get a team that suits my eye, try and get a brand of football, and winning as well is important. And the club is hungry is for a little bit of success.

hopefully, we can move on and try and improve the team. Try and improve the results and try and win a few trophies.

“I really want to concentrate on the football side. I know commercially and everything around

Hunt’s style of football may not be as dynamic as the Amakhosi are used to but there is no doubt that the newly appointed manager can give the club what they need and that is trophies.

It is definitely a plus for South African to see the two best managers in the league, Gavin Hunt and Pitso Mosimane able to keep their rivalry going in the upcoming season in what is sure to be a fight to the death for the league title. Ù

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BAFANA BAFANA’S ROAD

TO AFCON 2021 AND BEYOND Soccerzelas maps it all out for you

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

Bafana Bafana are set to return to competitive action when they face Zambia and Namibia in friendlies on the 8th and 11th of October before taking on Sao Tome and Principe in back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November 2020.

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The team is yet to play in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic after all international fixtures were postponed. The last time Molefi Ntseki’s men featured in a competitive match was in November 2019 when they defeated Sudan by a 1-0 score line, and will undoubtedly be looking to make good use of their upcoming friendlies before they resume their road to AFCON 2021.

South Africa will then take on Ghana at the FNB Stadium on the 25th March 2021 in the penultimate Cameroon 2021 qualifiers before completing the programme away to Sudan in Khartoum on the 30th March.

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers commence in May 2021. Bafana Bafana are in Group G, together with neighbours Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Ghana.

Only group winners will advance to the final round of qualifying where 10 Group winners will be drawn into five two-legged affairs to determine the five countries that will represent Africa in Qatar.

Coach Molefe Ntseki has included six Mamelodi Sundowns players in his 25-man squad for the two international friendlies against COSAFA regional rivals Namibia and Zambia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium while Thibang Phete‚ the 26-year-old defender who turns out for Belenenses SAD in Portugal’s Preimeira Liga, and 23-year-old Belgian-based

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THE TEAM IS YET TO PLAY IN 2020 DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AFTER ALL INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES WERE POSTPONED. (Cape Town City), Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs).

Midfielders: Andile Jali, Mothobi Mvala, Themba Zwane (Downs), Thabo Nodada (CTC), Teboho Mokoena (Supersport), Gladwin Shitolo (Arrows), Keagan Dolly (Montpellier), Percy Tau (Anderlecht, Belgium), Thabiso Kutumela (Maritzburg), Sipho Mbule (Supersport), Luther Singh (Braga FC)

forward Kurt Abrahams of KVC Westerlo were the notable and lesser-known inclusions in the latest squad.

Squad in full Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (OudHaverlee Leuven FC (Belgium), Ronwen Williams (Supersport United), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Defenders: Thibang Phete (OS Belenenses SAD (Portugal), Motjeka Madisha (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Orlando Pirates), S’fiso Hlanti, Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Abubaker Mobara

Strikers: Kermit Erasmus (Cape Town City), Kurt Abrahams (KVC Westerlo, Belgium), Lebohang Manyama (Kaizer Chiefs).

“This exercise is all about introduction and induction. We have called up a number of youngsters to get the feel of the senior national team set up and that’s very critical,” Ntseki said regarding his latest squad.

“The whole idea is to merge these players so that going forward we have a huge pool in case of injuries or any other mishap.

It is critical that we broaden the database and increase the number and quality of players ready to play for Bafana Bafana.

So, this mixture is important as

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FUTURE FOCUS

part of preparations for future assignments.”

Bafana Bafana have undoubtedly become known for underachieving during recent years with many fans going as far as writing the national team off. However Molefi Ntseki is adamant he can restore the country’s pride and joy through our men’s national team.

According to Ntseki, the mind-set of Bafana Bafana internationals need to change and this will be a focal point of his preparations ahead of AFCON 2021 and FIFA World Cup 2022.

“We should all agree to say we’ve got very talented players in this country, but the most important thing for me is the right attitude.”

Ntseki demands from the current crop of players.

“Because on the international level you should have fighters, you should have players who will wear the jersey and die for the nation. Talent alone is not enough. I’ve seen it when we play

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against the likes of Nigeria, the likes of Egypt and Ghana. You need soldiers, players who can go out there and work very hard.

“Something very interesting lately, all the players are raising their hands to say their name must be counted, which is a healthy headache for us when we go to the selection process.

The selection will be mainly based on what formation and approach we are going to use in our games. I need players who will die for the country.

“My approach for now is to give every South African a fair chance, and I think I’m doing exactly that. Giving every South African a chance, you should be able to say I’ve profiled every SA player and in this position we can’t

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR ME IS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE.

get anybody who will give us a different dimension for us to start winning games.

“When that time comes, I will be able to give a report about what we are currently doing. So I think it’s a feeling from any coach who can be of help to the national team to maybe recommend a player to the national team. We really appreciate their help, that’s why we are having this club visit programme - we want to force good relationships with the coaches and clubs, but any South African will be given that fair chance to play for Bafana Bafana.

“If we don’t have the quality we are looking for and there’s a foreign quality in the country, maybe we will have a look. If not, we are happy to look at South Africans only. We are focused on what lies in front of us first before looking at anything else. After that we will see what the future holds for the national team.”

South Africa will now be looking to build on their qualification for the previous AFCON by backing it up with a ticket to Cameroon 2021 while their 2022 Fifa World Cup campaign will also require the entire national team to step-up to the plate. The future success of Molefi Ntseki however begins against Zambia and Namibia. A strong showing will definitely be needed in order to get the fans interested in Bafana Bafana once again. Ù

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THE PSL

BY DYLAN BETTENCOURT

The final day of the season summed up the season entirely with a dramatic final day which saw Mamelodi Sundowns claim top honours in the PSL. SoccerZela takes a look back at the 2019/2020 PSL season in review.

THE 2019/2020 PSL SEASON:

A SEASON FULL OF SURPRISES

Circumstances that will live long in the hearts of Kaizer Chiefs fans as a final day stalemate handed their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns their third consecutive league title. The Amakhosi looked set to win the league with dominant displays

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ISSUE 10

THE PSL

throughout the season, holding a 13-point lead, however the side from Soweto only managed two wins out of a possible eight fixtures in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) bubble.

In a situation never seen before in global sporting activity, the coronavirus pandemic forced the PSL to push the pause button on the league on the 11th of March 2020. After a sixmonth break teams resumed to action on the 11th of August with a 0-0 draw between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Bidvest Wits confirmed the sale of their club to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) which the Clever Boys now cease to exist, 99 years after their formation as a football club. TTM opted not to keep any of the Bidvest Wits players as well as coach Gavin Hunt who is now coach at Kaiser Chiefs! (See story on page 15)

United all finishing with 50+ points. The last time the top managed this feat was back in the 2011/2012 season.

the honour of most assists throughout the campaign, with both players managing to get nine assists.

16 Goals are what it took to claim the golden boot in the 2019/20 PSL season with two players having to share the award, Gabadinho Mhango and Peter Shalulile. Lebogang Manyama and Surprise Ralani shared

For the second season in a row, the golden glove award for the most clean sheets goes to Rowen Williams of Supersport United with a total of 13 clean sheets.

16 GOALS ARE WHAT IT TOOK TO CLAIM THE GOLDEN BOOT IN THE 2019/20 PSL SEASON.

Three clear cut players come to mind when thinking of who deserves the player of the season award.

Lebogang Manyama was the main man in Kaizer Chief’s impressive displays and registered nine assists, the most in the league as well finding the back of the net on six occasions.

Orlando Pirates finished in third place, level on points with Bidvest Wits while Polokwane City failed to keep their place in South Africa’s top division, winning a total of seven fixtures and will be looking to make a swift return to the league.

The competitiveness of the league was proven this season with Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and Supersport

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THE PSL

Themba Zwane can be seen as one of the many reasons Mamelodi Sundowns were able to win the league as the attacker finished at the club’s top goal scorer with 11 goals while also grabbing seven assists. Peter Shalulile, an underdog in the race for player of the season but worthy of a shout as the striker, shared the spoils as top goal scorer in the league with 16 goals which is more than half of his entire teams goal output in the league, as Highlands only managed a total of 31 goals.

There is no doubt the Namibian forward has an eye for goal and will look to carry his good form into the new season.

In another turn of events, the PSL declined the sale of Highlands Park to TS Galaxy with the club from the north of Johannesburg looking likely to be sold before the start of the 2020/21 season.

In a less than impressive statistic, for the first time in PSL history, more than one team was unable to score 20 goals with both Chippa United and Baroka FC failing to hit the 20 goal mark.

Despite this, both teams managed to keep their place in the league despite their poor attacking form.

Another piece of history for Pitso Mosimane and his side as they became the first side to win three consecutive league titles on two occasions, in a feat that

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will be difficult to repeat for any team in the league.

Kaizer Chiefs led the league for a massive 379 days. However, 153 of those came during lockdown where the league was inactive with the Brazilians only spending a total of 31 minutes at the top of the table, which without a doubt rubs salt in the wounds of Amakhosi fans. Losing the league on the final after for the majority of the season, saw manager

Ersnt Middendorp lose his job with Gavin Hunt the favourite to replace him at the helm.

Heartbreak, happiness, excitement, edge of your seat action throughout the PSL season in what will go down as one of the best seasons in South African football. Teams in the PSL will be looking to end Mamelodi Sundowns dominance and prevent them from winning a fourth straight league title. Ă™

ISSUE 10

REWIND

BY PRO PHILANI

Born and raised in Tembisa, Gauteng, and a product of school football, Jerry Sikhosana remains one of the biggest names in the sport.

His story is rooted in his football crazy family. His uncle owned a club where Jerry was a goalkeeper. His passion for the game was widely known when he was a kid in the 1980s. Jerry is grateful for meeting Eddie Lewis at an early age as it was Eddie who introduced him to professional football. He attributes his provocative nature to the way he was brought up at Blackpool where his senior teammates were encouraged to toughen him up by tackling him wildly during training. But Jerry never gave up! He endured the heat and persevered in his developmental stage which shaped him for a highly successful career.

Jerry enjoyed watching the late Shoes Moshoeu-led ‘Shoes and Company’ combination as a youngster. He’d be given the final 5-10 minutes when the team had a healthy lead – a moment he always appreciated. Jerry was lethal in his own right, but there was no way he could bench Fanie Madida, one of the most feared striker of the times.

In 1993, Jerry enjoyed his time at Witbank Black Aces. He found his homeboys Sello Page Mahlangu and Johannes Chili who kept him

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THE JERRY SIKHOSANA STORY

FROM SCHOOL FOOTBALL TO THE WORLD CUP AND BEYOND

company at the club. He joined from a troubled Welkon Eagles, previously Sharp Highlands Park.

In what would be called bizarre circumstances, a match between Welkon Eagles and Aces was played where Eagles won 2-1 with Jerry among the scorers. After the

match, Aces’ bosses called Jerry aside and told him about their interest in signing him. The Eagles’ bosses were happy to release him for free. Jerry then joined the Aces team - which had lot of Tembisa born players - mid-season. In 1994, Aces found themselves

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REWIND

campaigning in the continental stage. They didn’t go far in the tournament yet the experience gained was crucial for Jerry, as his next team would need it.

The CAF tournament in 1995 was the most memorable for South Africa. Clubs like Cosmos had traveled on the continent before, only to be relegated the following season. Clubs like Aces and Sundowns also tried their best, but that wasn’t enough. Jerry joined Pirates mid-tournament and started finding the back of the net immediately. Journalists started to look for a nickname which would suit Jerry. It came when the late Sibusiso Mseleku, senior writer of City Press, named him ‘Legs of Thunder’.

Legs of Thunder The nickname came from a TV4 series, Legs of Thunder. It was a the name of a horse which consistently lost races it participated in.

The jockey was a female, and this nickname made no sense to Jerry.

Eventually, he put on a brave face and approached the journalist to find out why? Mseleku explained that Jerry packed a very powerful shot. He’d strike the ball so well that the movement of the ball was like thunder. Mseleku felt there was thunder in Jerry’s legs, and the nickname fitted the striker.

1995 Pirates campaign After scoring goals in the quarter finals and semi-finals, Jerry didn’t score in the final. He received

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THE LATE SIBUSISO MSELEKU, SENIOR WRITER OF CITY PRESS, NAMED HIM ‘LEGS OF THUNDER’ lots of abuse afterwards from fans on the radio. He was called names amid claims he was selfish. Jerry felt the criticism was unwarranted. He assisted Helman Mkhalele with the first goal, forced the corner for the second - which Gavin Lane converted after a Mkhalele corner. Jerry didn’t understand why so much of criticism was fired against him.

He was upset and left the Orlando Pirates camp that weekend. It was an emotional decision. Fan abuse affects footballers deeply and Jerry

suffered the same fate. His coach Joe Frinkleton took his side and resigned on the Tuesday. Pirates were headed to a second leg in Abidjan without their coach and number one striker. The Orlando Pirates chairman had to step in and do damage control, and visited Jerry’s mother in Tembisa.

When the chairman visits you or family, it’s hard to say “no”.

Jerry’s mother called Jerry and instructed him to bring his luggage – she wanted him to respect the chairman’s plea and travel with Orlando Pirates to Abidjan. The flight was delayed, because Jerry wasn’t at the airport on time. On the flight, the chairman sat with him and poke about their differences and the challenges Jerry encountered.

When Jerry scored that winning goal, he ran to the chairman to celebrate with him! He felt, chairman Irvin Khoza deserved the glory as h’ed kept the team together. He even went as far as

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REWIND

finding better hotel accommodation for the team. In Jerry’s mind, the chairman didn’t deserve any disappointment from the team.

Pirates were crowned champions and returned back home as heroes. The first South African team to achieve CAF glory courtesy of the work of Jerry Sikhosana and his Orlando Pirates teammates.

Battle with Brian Baloyi Jerry had an on-field rivalry with Kaizer Chiefs’ Brian Baloyi. Jerry claims they were more friends than rivals. He and Brian started way back in school football. They played together in a school’s provincial team with players like the late Isaac Kungoane. Before they played a tournament in Durban, Brian broke his leg. Jerry vowed to win the tournament for him, and they did.

They met again in the professional ranks and would call each other before games and go on to fight it throughout the 90 minutes.

Jerry had a neck of scoring goals against Brian, and the most memorable one is a hattrick in the Bob Save Super Bowl at FNB stadium. He didn’t end it there - each time Chiefs would face Pirates, thunder would strike Brian from the legs of Jerry!

Eagles, Trott Moloto. He had only one appearance in the final match vs Saudi Arabia where his contribution was a penalty win after he was fouled in the box, which Shaun Bartlett calmly converted. Bafana drew the match 2-2, and Jerry couldn’t be more proud of himself.

Overseas Jerry went on to play in China after he felt he was unfairly treated at Pirates. He was quoted by media as saying “He’d rather sell coal in Tembisa than play for Pirates”. Jerry was again angry. He had gone for trials in China where

the clubs negotiated and salaries were agreed. Jerry was not paid his dues. He was sent from pillar to post, looking for the monies without success. The chairman was nowhere to be found. The Chinese club couldn’t assist Jerry either. He returned to SA, but this time he was in the media for the wrong reasons. The media and Pirates claimed Jerry absconded in China and was nowhere to be found. Jerry was heartbroken.

He had no one to tell his side of the story to, until he got hold of a journalist who was willing to tell his side of the story. His overseas journey though, was short lived.

Many supporters remember the passion and fighting spirit of ‘Legs of Thunde’r which made football enjoyable in the 1990s.

Jerry was competitive, hated to lose and never accepted being second best and the success he tasted during his playing career is testament to that. Ù

1998 World Cup Jerry was rewarded with a World Cup call up by Phillippe Trousier who was assisted by Jerry’s former coach at Welkon

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