South Africa is a nation of ardent soccer fans who flock to stadiums every weekend, come rain or shine, according to the magazine. And, with Banyana Banyana's recent phenomenal success, the sport's appeal just keeps on growing. 

Launched in 1994, popular demand saw the magazine move from publishing monthly to fortnightly in September 1996, followed by the launch of the website kickoff.com in 1999.

A decade later, KICK OFF was one of the official partners of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says the magazine.

Now, following a challenging decade for print, topped by the Covid-19 pandemic — which saw local football postponed for almost six months — Media24 has made the decision to close the magazine. The closure is due to Media24 focusing exclusively on growing the digital version into a powerhouse serving South Africa's vast soccer audience.

As it stands, kickoff.com is currently ranked 17th in South Africa, based on the 315 832 PVs generated daily by its 56 405 unique browsers.

This is supported by a vast social media presence, says the magazine, with: 
  • its Facebook page boasting 1.7 million followers
  • its Twitter account boasting 858 000 followers, and
  • its Instagram account boasting 253 000 followers.
"While we close the chapter on our print publication, our digital platform will remain and our journalists around the country will keep you up to date with the latest breaking news, transfer stories and match reports," adds KICK OFF editor Zola Doda.

KICK OFF general manager Clint Roper says, "It's obviously hugely disappointing to say goodbye to KICK OFF as a print offering, but the potential for the brand to really explode digitally is exciting."

"Already KICK OFF is among the major players in terms of numbers in South Africa's digital and social media ecosystems," Roper adds. "With the announcement of an Africa Super League, we also see enormous potential in growing KICK OFF's digital audience across the continent."

"With 2022's World Cup around the corner, we hope to see a surge in online advertising around our content and will endeavour to keep KICK OFF at the front of the pack when it comes to soccer news in South Africa. We thank our readers and advertisers who have remained loyal to the magazine. We hope you all follow us to the digital world of KICK OFF," Roper concludes.

For more information, visit www.kickoff.com. You can also follow KICK OFF on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.