In this edition of Story Behind My Nickname KickOff speaks to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Witbank Aces goalkeeper Joseph "Tshatsha" Sibiya on the origin behind his nickname.
While representing Sundowns, Sibiya shared goalkeeping duties with legendary player and coach Roger de Sa.
Sibiya today, is a businessman who owns a driving school in the Mpumalanga Province.
"I only played for three clubs in the premier division, Sundowns, Aces and Free State Stars."
What's your nickname?
"Tshatsha", means "Take"
Who gave it to you and why?
"It was the late Ikwekwezi FM sports commentator Aaron "Shadow" Mbonani.
"It was because of my handling skills. I was very good with crosses and corner kicks.
"Even now my handling skills are still good, I'm still playing for the masters."
Did you like it?
"I was okay with it because it was unique and genuine. It meant as a goalkeeper I was reliable. It's related to my playing style.
"It suited me. It's not a nickname suitable for musicians. Some players are given names because of a song that was a hit during their heydays.
"Nicknames like "Who is Fooling Who" Hlongwane (laughing). Eric Ramasike is called "Tambai", all those are song titles.
Anyone that didn't use it?
"No one. Everybody calls me Tshatsha, even today."
What would you want your nickname to be if you could relive it?
"I have no idea. Nicknames come naturally. I believe nicknames are not outdated, it's just that players today take other people's surnames and turn them into nicknames.
"A player will call himself Rabiot just because he is a fan of Rabiot. And by that time, he is not even playing like that player.
"A nickname should come from spectators; you can't give yourself a nickname or call yourself Ronaldo. Today's players even copy Ronaldo's goal celebration.
"Even the coaches are copying other coaches' dress sense, they want to coach like them, and even copy the way they celebrate (laughs)."