South African Players’ Nicknames

In modern-day South African soccer, the art of nicknaming players seems to have lost its lustre. To an extent, modern nicknames are, for the most part, boring and unimaginative – a sea of recycled “Professors” and “Aces” that seems to differ greatly from the past list that includes such classics as “Legs of Thunder” and “Stability Unit”. While present day footballers may not have the hardhitting nicknames of the boxing fraternity such as James “Bonecrusher” Smith or Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, South Africa has had many eccentric characters who inspired fans with intriguing and long-lasting nicknames.

The world of music and showbusiness are well represented in diverse forms such as Archie “Juluka” Radebe (who was named after Johnny Clegg’s popular band) and former Orlando Pirates’ star Alfred “From Russia with Love” Jacobs.

There are of course those who are simply known by nicknames that reflect the way that they displayed their skills or their stature in the local game. Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze was known for his speed and goal-scoring ability while the peformance, skill and natural ability of Ratha “Jimmy Greaves” Maokgoatlheng and Joseph “Gordon Banks” Setlhodi were regarded as equal to those of their soccer legend tag lines.

Because of their amazing reflexes and agility, goalkeepers usually get associated with nimble creatures. Brian “Spiderman” Baloyi, Moeneeb “Slimcat” Josephs, Patson “The Black Cat” Banda and Trevor “Black Panther” Gething are/were great examples of the country’s ability to produce top quality professional goalkeepers.

Ephraim “Jomo” Sono was perhaps the most superbly skilled local footballer. Affectionately known as “the Black Prince” he displayed an ability to tear teams apart with defence-splitting passes or to turn defenders inside out with a sublime display of individual skill. More recently he has enjoyed success as a coach with an astute eye for talent.

Following is our top 12 list of curious nicknames of famous local players and coaches.

Mario “The Godfather” Tuani
Thomas “Who’s Fooling Who” Hlongwane
Mike “Tsetse Fly” Ntombela
Marks “Go man go” Maponyane
Suliman “Bump-jive” Bhamjee
Lesley “Slow Poison” Manyathela
Aubrey “Sense of knowledge” Leokwane
Amos “Heel Extension” Mkhari
Johannes “Chippa/Telephone exchange” Molatedi
Jabu “Problem Child” Pule/Mahlangu
Andrew “Jaws of Life” Rabutla
Doctor “16 valve” Khumalo

We challenge you guys to come up with other nicknames for our stars – it does not matter who they are or who they play for. Then swing by and let us know what you’ve thought of.