In this edition of Story Behind The Nickname, Kruger United defender Wandisile Letlabika provides a detailed explanation of how he acquired his popular nickname, 'Mabra'.
The former Moroka Swallows center-back admits that he still struggles to understand how he ended up with the name.
Your nickname 'Mabra,' how did it come about?
"As you know, in football, I'm mostly known as Mabra. I'm not really sure how it originated, but it might have to do with the fact that my full name is Mabhuti Wandisile Letlabika. So, I suspect that Mabra is a shortened version of Mabhuti. Therefore, I guess Mabra comes from Mabhuti.
"However, at Moroka Swallows, I also became known as 'The Rock,' while Njabulo Ngcobo was referred to as 'Roadblock.'
"There are some who prefer to call me Wandi to avoid using my nickname."
Did you like 'Mabra'?
"That's how most coaches addressed me, including Lehlohonolo Seema and Veselin Jelusic from Bloemfontein. Ernst Middendorp also used to call me Mabra, but the coach who liked the name the most was Fadlu Davids."
Is there anyone who didn't like using it?
"Coach Pitso didn't like it; he told me directly that he preferred calling me Wandi because he felt that the name Mabra might make me think I had already made it in football. He thought it would make me big-headed [laughs]."
Who gave you the name?
"The Bloemfontein Celtic supporters; that's my family. I can't imagine retiring without having played at least one or two seasons at that club again."
Given the opportunity, what name would you choose?
"I don't think I'd change Mabra for anything. I know I'm underrated because I have never played for Chiefs or Pirates, but I consider myself the best center-back in the country. Before planning for a match against us, most opposition coaches first check if I'm in the starting lineup. Many coaches have mentioned that before."
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
