In this edition of Story Behind The Nickname, KickOff catches up with former Kaizer Chiefs player Enocent Mkhabela about his nickname, 'General'.
Although he is still active and playing in the Mpumalanga province's ABC Motsepe League, Mkhabela is currently undergoing a SAFA D coaching course taking place in the province.
Where did you play?
"Enocent Mkhabela is from the province of Mpumalanga, and in his football career, he has played for well-known clubs like SuperSport United and Platinum Stars."
What's your nickname?
"Growing up I had many nicknames, but the one that stuck is the one of General Gerrard. Like the Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard.
"That was up until I reached the PSL, then my nickname simply became General."
Who gave it to you and why?
"I used to control the engine room. I grew up with the name, it was given to me by coach Zero Mogale.
"He coached me in the under-13's at the Naas Academy here in Mpumalanga.
"The way I played football reminded him of Steven Gerrard, and I could play as a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and striker."
Did you like it?
"Yes. Because we grew up watching the likes of Steven Gerrard."
Anyone that didn't use it?
"Yeah sometimes in the PSL we call each other by our real names or surnames. So my former teammates would sometimes call me Mkhabela or Eno."
If you'd relieve it, what would you want your nickname to be?
"I would love to be called Jack Of All Trades. That's because I used to play in all the positions on the pitch.
"Though I still love the General, the Jack Of All Trade one describes the many positions I can play in.
"A nickname in football is so important, it shows you have something special, and people are noticing your presence.
"It means you make a difference once on the pitch."