In this edition of Locker Room Secrets, KickOff speaks with former Bloemfontein Celtic and Moroka Swallows defender Wandisile Letlabika.
Letlabika is currently playing for Kruger United, the Mpumalanga-based Motsepe Foundation Championship side.
Who was always late?
"It’s a toss-up between Patrick Tingyemb and Keagan Buchanan. Patrick was really something else. I know goalkeepers are often a bit eccentric, but Patrick's antics were on another level. No one could argue with the office staff like he could.
"I’m sure you remember the incident where he confronted me after I made a mistake on a back pass in our game against Sundowns. He ended up pushing me, but surprisingly, after that in the changing room, he acted as if nothing had happened."
Did you have a pre-match ritual?
"Nah, nothing, except for praying before every match."
Who was the jokester?
"Mogogi Gabonamong, Joel Mogorosi, Lyle Lakay, Vuyo Ntanga, and of course, Patrick Tingyemb. We can’t forget Thembalethu Moses, who is now a goalkeeper coach at Chippa United."
Who was the singer?
"Ruzaigh Gamildien had a great singing voice, and Tumelo Mohapi was always at the forefront as well. We also had Thabo Nthethe leading the songs at Celtic.
"At Swallows, the singers included Vuyo Mere, Lebohang Mokoena, Sifiso Hlanti, Kagiso Malinga, and a lad named Mthethwa."
Who was the best-dressed?
"At Celtic, it was me, Musa Bilankulu, and Keagan Buchanan. Please don't include Patrick Tingyemb in that list; he was the worst. He and Lantshane Phalane were always dressed in their traditional Cameroonian outfits.
"Apparently, if you own those Muslim-style clothes, you only need to buy underwear, and then you're set. At Swallows, the best dressers were Hlanti and Mere.
"But I have to say I was the best. You know, when you have a wife, she won’t let you leave the house looking untidy."
Who never showered?
"Patrick Tingyemb. He hated water. I used to share a room with him, and he'd straight up tell you, 'I have a home. I will shower at home, not here.' Just imagine traveling on a bus from Durban back to Bloemfontein without having taken a shower! [laughs]."
Which coach gave you the best team talk?
"The most valuable lesson I learned from all my coaches is about discipline and humility. So I would say Ted Dumitru from the Mamelodi Sundowns development team was the most impactful."
