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Nthethe: I didn't understand my nickname at first

In this edition of Story Behind The Nickname, KickOff speaks with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic legend Thabo "Mr. Cool" Nthethe about how he got his nickname.

The retired former center-back is currently an assistant coach to Joseph Mthombeni at Motsepe Foundation Championship club Casric Stars FC.

How did you get your name 'Mr. Cool'?

"It's a name that was given to me by the Bloemfontein Celtic supporters. At first, I didn't understand why they called me 'Mr. Cool.' I even thought it was mainly because of Thabo 'Mr. Cool' Kofa, the legendary Sesotho sports commentator, since we share the same name.

"But as time went on, the Bloemfontein Celtic supporters explained that it was because I was calmer on the ball as a defender. Back then, it wasn't fashionable for a defender to be calm once in possession, especially at the back. So that's how the name came about."

Did you like it?

"Yes, I did. I believe it suited my style of play. I was comfortable and cool on the ball."

Did you have any other football nickname besides 'Mr. Cool'?

"I was also known as the 'Elegant One.' Even now, I'm not sure how I ended up with that name, but I guess it’s because of the elegance I displayed when I was in possession of the ball. It has a similar meaning to 'Mr. Cool.' I got the 'Elegant One' name from Thabo Kofa."

If you could relive it, which nickname would you choose for yourself?

"[Laughs] The Elegant One. I love that name. It's unique. No one else has that nickname. With 'Mr. Cool,' everyone associates that with Thabo Kofa."

Why are nicknames such an important part of football?

"They make it easier for people to differentiate between players who share the same name, like me and Thabo Mngomeni."

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

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