Most read soccer stories of 2011
Top stories of 2011
Posted: 2011-12-22 13:12
What do you think the biggest soccer news of 2011 was? It's probably not what you think ...
These are the 20 most read stories on KickOff.com for 2011, but they are not what you would expect – a fascinating insight into the mind of the typical Mzansi soccer fan.
Can you think of any stories that SHOULD be on the list? Let us know on Facebook, Team KICK OFF or Twitter.
The first thing that will strike you is that the list is dominated by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
That's not much of a surprise, as they are the biggest teams in the country.
But fans of the Soweto giants do not only read stories about their own team; they cannot resist reading (and commenting on) news about their rivals, resulting in double the clicks!
Benni McCarthy and Bernard Parker coming home were also major hits – and transfer rumours make fans go wild.
The top story is a bit of a shock, however – Pirates unveiling of their new jersey. I guess they really are a team all about the 'skippas'.
Click on the headline to see the original story.
1
Pirates unveil new jersey
Posted: 6/7/11
Orlando Pirates unveiled their new Adidas jersey for the 2011/12 Premier Soccer League season in July, causing a frenzy on KickOff.com.
The players wore the new jersey for the first time during the Vodacom Challenge against Tottenham Hotspur in Mbombela on July 19.
Even though the jersey is very similar to last season's – the most noticeable difference being the collar – The Ghost went wild with delight when it was revealed, and Amakhosi fans went wild with disdain.
2
Pirates want Benni
Posted: 27/7/2011
KickOff.com spoke to Benni McCarthy, and revealed that Pirates had been in contact with his manager, Rob Moore, and that Irvin Khoza was "desperate" to sign him.
The main reason Khoza wanted Benni in his team was to bolster his squad for the CAF Champions League – and that competition was at the top of Benni's mind too.
At the time KickOff.com broke this story, McCarthy was still training with Ajax Cape Town, and Mamelodi Sundowns were "sniffing" around … but McCarthy himself told KICK OFF editor Richard Maguire:
"I feel a lot for Ajax, of course. But I'm not sure of their ambitions on the pitch … Pirates are talking about winning the African Champions League – I could become the first player to win the Champions League in Europe and in Africa. That will be a special record."
3
Parker to replace Musona at Chiefs?
Posted: 6/7/2011
Remember when Bernard Parker was still one of our 'boys overseas'? The Amakhosi faithful were shocked when KickOff.com revealed back in July that Kaizer Chiefs wanted to bring Parker home, as a replacement for Knowledge Musona.
Parker was at Dutch club FC Twente for pre-season, but had spent the previous season on loan at Greek club Panserraikos, scoring only one goal in 12 matches.
He had trained with AmaZulu and Bidvest Wits towards the end of last season prior to linking up with Bafana Bafana for the Africa Cup of Nation qualifier against Egypt, and admitted to KickOff.com that for him to hold onto his Bafana place he needed to be playing regularly.
4
Why I left Chiefs – Masenamela
Posted: 5/7/2011
This story was a teaser for the full article in KICK OFF magazine, when Punch Masenamela opened up to Zola Doda about his controversial move from Kaizer Chiefs to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Both sets of fans were eager to find out how the surprise move came about – and why – and KICK OFF's interviews with Masenamela and his manager Jazzman Mahlakgane were illuminating.
5
Bucs put nine on transfer
Posted: 2/8/2011
Orlando Pirates shocked their fans by putting nine players on transfer in August, as requested by new coach Julio Leal, and The Ghost were eager to find out who those unlucky nine players were.
The unlucky Bucs were: Josephy Kamwendo, Siphelele Mthembu, Phenyo Mongala, Dennis Masina, Wilson Shendzelani, Siyabonga Zulu, Thando Mdluli, Mzondi Mthombeni and Patrick Malokase.
6
Benni joins Bucs on two-year deal
Posted: 2/8/2011
What KickOff.com had predicted finally happened … Pirates officially announced the signing of Benni McCarthy in August.
Bucs chairman Irvin Khoza, who watched the Carling Black Label Cup at Soccer City alongside the striker, confirmed their new signing: "Late yesterday we concluded negotiations with [agent] Rob Moore. Now I want to welcome Benni to Orlando Pirates."
7
Surprise moves likely before tomorrow night
Posted: 30/8/2011
Transfer madness hit KickOff.com, with less than 48 hours left before the window closed.
Rumours of player movement abounded, with both Hlompho Kekana and Anthony Laffor linked to Mamelodi Sundowns (the former making the move, the latter still at SuperSport, and frequently 'linked' to other clubs).
Durban was abuzz with gossip about Collins Mbesuma joining Orlando Pirates from Golden Arrows (those reports came to nothing).
Papi Zothwane was clubless at the time, after being released by Sundowns (he only actually left the club recently), while Koketso Mmotong looked set for a return to Moroka Swallows after coach Johan Neeskens announced that he was not in his plans for this season (he is still at Downs, however).
8
OFFICIAL: Parker joins Amakhosi
Posted: 27/7/2011
After KickOff.com's initial report on this story, on July 6, was dismissed as "rubbish", and then later called "highly unlikely", we confirmed the move at the end of that month – and the website went mad.
9
Shabba in negotiations to leave Chiefs
Posted: 10/8/2011
Siphiwe Tshabalala's agent Jazzman Mahlakgane revealed he was in negotiations about a transfer from Kaizer Chiefs to an "unnamed overseas club".
With the grapevine humming with news of serious interest from Russia, Israel and the Middle East, Mahlakgane admitted he was discussing an offer with Chiefs' team manager Bobby Motaung.
"There is an offer from a club we have been engaging with but now we have to see if we can agree," he told KickOff.com.
Apparently they did not.
Saudi club Al-Ittihad went quiet after Chiefs demanded R20-million, before Glasgow Rangers' offer of £100,000, which Mahlakgane labelled an "insult".
10
Breaking: Benni in a meeting with Irvin Khoza
Posted: 31/7/2011
The third Benni McCarthy story to make the top 10.
This time, Orlando Pirates had emerged as the "overwhelming favourites" to land McCarthy's signature, as he revealed they made him feel "more wanted."
Despite rumours still linking him with Chiefs, Ajax and Sundowns, McCarthy told KickOff.com Pirates were the stand-out option for him.
McCarthy was to meet with the 'Iron Duke' that Sunday night to talk about a potential deal.
11
Benni McCarthy signs contract with Kaizer Chiefs
Posted: 4/1/2011
It was a case of 'truth is stranger than fiction' back in April, when KickOff.com reported that Benni McCarthy had signed a pre-contract with Kaizer Chiefs.
It was an April Fool's joke of course, but KickOff.com readers reacted first with shock, then with delight (Khosi fans) or scorn (Bucs fans).
When we revealed the joke, most readers insisted "we knew he wouldn't come back to the PSL" – but fast forward just four months …
12
Shabba accepts VV's criticism
Posted: 12/9/2011
Vladimir Vermezovic yanked Siphiwe Tshabalala off the pitch in the 81st minute of the MTN Final against Pirates, saying: "In my team there is no player who is not replaceable. I expect Bafana Bafana players to take responsibility and 'Shabba' was not at his usual level and hence he was substituted."
Amakhosi fans were dismayed, but Shabba diplomatically told KickOff.com: "I respect the coach's opinion and will take it like a professional. I will continue to work hard and make sure that in my next chance I double my efforts."
13
Bafana draw sees Niger through to 2012 Afcon
Posted: 8/10/2011
Surprisingly down at 13, the story that shocked the world.
KickOff.com were the first to report, correctly, that South Africa had missed out on qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone.
The rest of the country, from top media houses to the players themselves, were still celebrating, but we had read the rules.
14
Bucs loan out 8 to First Div clubs
Posted: 16/8/2011
Two weeks after letting nine players go, Orlando Pirates loaned out another eight.
The Bucs youth graduates were loaned out to get game-time, but fans were relieved considering the bloated and unmanageable Pirates squad.
The eight players and the respective teams were: Siyabonga Mkhwanazi (African Warriors), Peintjie Zulu (Blackburn Rovers), Linda Shiba (Blackburn Rovers), Siyabonga Zulu (Blackburn Rovers), Jabulani Mzizi (Atlie), Thuso Mahohoma (Atlie), Briace Msiza (Witbank Spurs) and Mbongeni Gumede (Sivutsa Stars).
15
VV explains why he dropped Tau and co
Posted: 17/10/2011
Despite rumours of a coach/player bust up, Vladimir Vermezovic insisted his dropping skipper Jimmy Tau, Josta Dladla, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Reneilwe Letsholonyane in a 2-0 win over Black Leopards was all in the name of "healthy competition".
In their place, he gave starts to Brent Lawler, Lucky Baloyi and George Lebese, and the three were impressive, particularly Baloyi, who was named Man of the Match.
Baloyi scored the first goal in the second half and created the second, which was converted by substitute Majoro.
"The senior guys who didn't play today need competition and from good competition we can improve. There is no jealousy or bad intentions" 'VV' insisted, although the plot would thicken over the next couple of weeks.
16
Musona's R25-m sale rankles Zim
Posted: 14/11/2011
Zimbabwe, still irritated over the 'buy one, get two free' slight on their home-grown talent, were infuriated when it emerged that Kaizer Chiefs pocketed close on R25-million from Germany for Knowledge Musona.
When Chiefs bought Musona, Thomas Sweswe and Zhaimu Jambo no figure was revealed. However, Zimbabwean journos point out a number of low-cost Zimbabwean deals, including Ajax Cape Town's capture of talented midfielder Khama Billiat on a four-year deal from Aces Youth Academy for a 'measly' R150,000.
17
Shabba going, but 'not to UK'
Posted: 14/6/2011
We know now that Jazzman Mahlakgane's confident assertions that Siphiwe Tshabalala would get his overseas move in 2011 came to naught, but back in June everybody was still very optimistic he would go.
"We are working on other projects around Shabba now and not waiting for [Nottingham] Forest. I'm hoping by the end of the week we will have an offer or two but not from the UK," Mahlakgane told KickOff.com.
There were offers, from Saudi club Al-Ittihad and Glasgow Rangers, but Chiefs' price proved too high.
18
Bobby: I was not appointed by the ANC
Posted: 26/10/2011
Bobby Motaung was shooting his mouth off all over the shop in October, leading to quotes that will remain etched in our minds forever.
A sample of those verbal gems:
"As for those who dream that Bobby Motaung must step down, that Bobby Motaung must go, it is a dream! Bobby Motaung goes nowhere."
"I’m not elected here. I was not appointed by ANC or IFP… I will be here as long as this company exists."
"I didn’t apply with a CV for the job."
"I have been at this club since I was born so I know the history of this club."
"If there is a baby crying in the house, it does not mean there are issues between the father and the mother, so the issue of captain does not mean that there is a crisis at the club … this chapter must be closed."
Amakhosi fans are still seething at Motaung's presumption, and Buccaneers are still gleefully hollering "family business!" whenever they get the opportunity, and we don't see that quietening down any time soon.
19
Benni stops training with Ajax
Posted: 28/7/2011
In July KickOff.com found out that Benni McCarthy was no longer training with Ajax Cape Town, and was "somewhere out there", according to club spokesperson 'Shooz' Mekuto.
A few days later he was watching the Carling Black Label Cup with Irvin Khoza, and we all know what happened next …
20
Khoza happy to see Mashego go
Posted: 18/7/2011
Another teaser for a great KICK OFF magazine story, in which former Orlando Pirates striker Katlego Mashego revealed to Tiyani wa ka Mabasa the reason why Bucs boss Irvin Khoza was happy when he left.
"Yeah [Khoza] was happy and he was being honest! He felt I didn't have anything to contribute at Pirates anymore," Mashego says.
In any case, 'Mahoota' said he was also happy to jump ship: "I left by choice. There were other factors that were hampering me at Pirates …"
: 2011-12-22 13:53
Comment on this article:
TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com