Strong Retail Presence and Early Sales Success

Distributed nationally through leading retailers, including Shoprite, Pick ’n Pay, Spar, Boxer, OK Food, Exclusive Books, airport shops, and forecourt outlets, KickOff has achieved robust sales averaging over 8,000 copies sold each month.

KickOff has also increased its airport allocation to 4,000 copies, extending its reach to travelling sports fans nationwide. Additionally, a strategic initiative will see returned copies distributed to doctors’ rooms and waiting areas – further boosting circulation and visibility.

Clint Roper, General Manager of KickOff, says, “Based on the performance of similar publications, we’re proud of this early result—and we’re already preparing to increase print runs as we expand our retail footprint.”

KickOff has not only revived its beloved soccer edition but also boldly introduced KickOff Rugby, a unique dual offering that celebrates both of South Africa’s most popular sports. Each month’s issue features flipside covers: one for soccer fans and one for rugby enthusiasts.

“Our KickOff Rugby editor, Schalk Jonker, has realised our vision for how rugby should be covered,” says Roper. “One of the proudest innovations has been our Former Springbok Captains Column, where legends like Corné Krige, Jean de Villiers, Tiaan Strauss, Gary Teichmann, and Naas Botha share their voices directly with our readers. Just a few weeks ago, Damian Willemse – now hailed for one of the greatest Springbok performances in New Zealand – was our cover star. That’s how fast and relevant we’ve become.”

On the soccer side, KickOff continues to do what it does best: “We’ve adapted our content recipe and added new elements,” Roper explains. “But the foundation remains the same – get the biggest names, tell their stories, create timeless content and hero the art of storytelling in a way that matters.”

The print revival is reinforced by KickOff’s massive digital footprint, ensuring advertisers and fans engage across multiple platforms:

Total Fanbase Reach: 4.3m+ monthly across platforms

• Website: 6.59m page views from 736 000+ active users
• Facebook: 2m+ followers with explosive video growth (+245% views)
• TikTok: Industry-leading 7.35% engagement rate and 22.9% monthly follower growth
• Instagram: 258k followers with 2.79m post views
• Direct Subscribers: 331 864 (including WhatsApp & newsletter audiences)

Combined with Novus Media’s broader audience footprint, KickOff now taps into over 16.4 million readers and users monthly.

Roper continues, “We’re imagining what a sports magazine can be. The idea of a soccer brand launching a rugby magazine may raise eyebrows, but these two sports have always been linked – historically and emotionally. This is about uniting passions and giving both sets of fans the platform they deserve.”

KickOff originally came into being to serve the passion of South African fans, and the stats prove that these fans are 100% fanatical.

Roper emphasises the unique power of print in today’s media mix: “Print offers a clutter-free advertising space – unlike digital, where your message competes with pop-ups and distractions. Print carries authority, authenticity, and a safer ecosystem for brands. Research shows retention and comprehension are higher in print, and when paired with QR codes, print becomes a powerful amplifier of digital campaigns. Print is not a ‘lesser’ medium – it’s engaging, impactful, and memorable.”

KickOff’s print revival is only the beginning. With a dedicated digital team currently being assembled and the forthcoming launch of a KickOff Rugby website, the brand is gearing up to offer advertisers and fans even more touch points across both soccer and rugby.

“Five months ago, people wondered whether print could still compete,” Roper reflects. “Today, we’re proving not only that it can—but that KickOff is setting the pace for the future of sports publishing in South Africa.”

Follow KickOff on Instagram and various other social media platforms.

The post KickOff Magazine Marks a Triumphant Relaunch appeared first on Stage and Screen.

A key Rugby Championship fixture

The match, kicking off at 5:10 PM, will see the Springboks face the Wallabies in Cape Town in the second Test of the 2025 Rugby Championship. This tournament brings together four of the southern hemisphere’s top teams, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and for a highly-anticipated series of clashes every year. South Africa enters the match as defending champions of both the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup, while Australia arrives with a strengthened squad that includes Nic White, Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou.

Seats in the piazza open area are complimentary, and seats will be allocated on a first-come come first-served basis. Entrance to the seating area will open at 4 PM.

An outdoor viewing experience

Melrose Arch’s outdoor Piazza offers a glorious setting for fans to enjoy the match in a lively atmosphere with seating provided. The big screen will broadcast the full game, providing a great spot for supporters to gather and support the national team. For those preferring a table, several of the precinct’s restaurants will have outdoor seating with views of the screen. Table booking is recommended.

A destination for match day

Melrose Arch’s pedestrian-friendly environment, wide range of dining options and convenient parking with Parket make it an excellent destination for rugby fans. The precinct’s mix of open-air spaces and quality hospitality ensures that visitors can enjoy the Rugby Championship atmosphere in comfort.

For more information on Melrose Arch and its activations, visit melrosearch.co.za or follow @MelroseArch on social media.

The post Springbok Fan Park at Melrose Arch for SA vs Australia clash appeared first on Stage and Screen.