In the latest edition of Story Behind My Nickname, KickOff catches up with former Jomo Cosmos defender Taelo Motloung on the origin behind his popular nickname "Salter".
Who and where did you play?
"My name is Taelo Motloung, I played for amateur sides Aston Villa in Tembisa, Tembisa Wits and Caltex Colts, and then in the professional ranks, I played for Tembisa Classic and Jomo Cosmos."
What's your nickname?
"Salter"
Who gave it to you and why?
"At first, I remember that I was a big fan of Marks Maponyane. I used to wear number 7, and just like him, I also had a wristband. I used to score a lot of goals with my head, you know how good Marks Maponyane was with his head.
"So, while I was at Tembisa Wits, one weekend Jomo Cosmos played a cup game I don't remember against which team [against AmaZulu FC in the 1990 BobSave SuperBowl Final], there was a white defender called Big John Salter who scored with a powerful header from a corner-kick in that game.
"So the next day on Monday at Tembisa Wits training, I scored a goal exactly like his. Same style, the same way I came running and jumped above the rest. It was a perfect connection. So our goalkeeper Shabi screamed 'Did you see our own Salter bafowethu? Did you see him?' And by that time, I was now playing as a centre-back."
Did you like it?
"Not really. I just liked the manner in which I scored the goal."
Anyone that didn't use it?
"I can't remember because even at home, I was Salter and no longer Taelo. Though now they are calling me 'Brother', a name I got while I was still at Cosmos because of my dreadlocks."
Who should we ask for their nickname story?
"Kamohelo Mahlatsi from Kaizer Chiefs. I would like to know how he ended up being called 'Nyaope' [laughs]."