In this edition of My Muti Story, KickOff speaks to former Thanda Royal Zulu and Nathi Lions star Asando Mvalo on his brushes with the customary practice.
Who and where?
"Mlungisi Ngubane, Professor, that coach loved muti. He coached me at Bush Buck and also at Nathi Lions.
"I remember at one stage we went to play African Warriors at Free State. It was in the NFD.
"On our way back from Free State our coach Ngubane received a call from someone.
"After a while, Ngubane asked senior players like myself, Phumudzo Manenzhe, and Edward Malinga to come to where he was sitting...I think we were about six or seven.
"While we were listening on the loudspeaker of Ngubane's phone, the voice on the other side kept on saying, I told you coach, you are going to lose five games in a row. Now it's one down, four to go.
"After that Ngubane wanted everyone on the bus to donate some money, no matter how small, just for him to pay this muti man who was on the phone. This guy was from Congo and his name was Muhammed (laughs).
"Then came our next game which was in Cape Town against Milano.
"Then what happened is Milano was awarded a penalty, and our kit manager was talking on the phone, Hey Muhammad, hey man this Milano they've been awarded a penalty! Please do your thing man wherever you are (laughs).
"Mohammed responded to our kit manager, no don't worry man it will never go in (laughs). But to our kit man's surprise, the penalty went in (laughs)."
Why were you doing it?
"The only explanation that was given was, that we were Africans so the Muti would protect us."
What did you have to do?
"Not to eat pork. It made the muti weak."
Did everyone take part?
"Yes, of course, we used to respect our coach Professor Ngubane."
What stood out?
"Though we kept using muti week in and week out we couldn't win games."
What was the result?
"Milano beat 2-0."