A nickname as we know is a name or tag given to a person who they can be called upon other than their usual name or surname. In South African football, the nickname adopts a whole new meaning to it.
Players are coined by names based on a host of attributes, ranging from the height, looks and even style of play. At Naturena, the Kaizer Chiefs players are no strangers to foreign nicknames, some of them understandable, others just hilarious!
Speedy winger George Lebese is known as 'Geeza' or 'Milkshake' because of his light shade of skin. Siphiwe Tshabalala is simply known as 'Shabba', as a shorter version of his surname.
Lanky defender Eric Mathoho is known as 'Tower' because of his presence and 'towering' height. Bernard Parker is known as 'Hond', probably because we all know him as a top dog.
'Shaka-Zulu' is the nickname given to fellow striker Siphelele Mthembu, in comparison to the powerful Zulu monarch.
The more comical ones in the team belong to players like Willard Katsande Reneilwe Letsholonyane. Katsande when he first arrived at the Soweto giants he was called 'Cheese and Onion', and now he is known as 'Salt and Vinegar' because of the brand of potato chips 'Willard Chips', referring to his first name.
Letsholonyane on the other-hand is known as either 'Yeye' or 'Beyonce'. One could only comprehend the name 'Beyonce' being associated with Letsholonyane's striking good looks.
Have a laugh Amakhosi, if you were to coin nicknames to your favourite Chiefs players, what nicknames would you give them?
