In the latest edition of Story Behind My Nickname, KickOff catches up with former Moroka Swallows player Patrick Ningiza on the origin behind his nickname "General".
Who and where did you play?
"I started out with the Orlando Pirates first team. They were still training at Megawatt Park in Eskom. I trialed for nine months.
READ | Chiefs confirm Zwane suffered facial injury as disgruntled fans turn violent
"I was just excited to train with Pirates. I didn't care much about money. I was there when Pirates won the Champions League.
"I was younger back then and I watched on TV when they played the final. My two-year contract with the club expired without me playing.
"I went back to Kasi to play there, I was invited to play in the Godfrey Moloi Tournament in Soweto, that's where Swallows saw me.
"Swallows signed me without a trial. The club driver Jeff Moroka is the one who saw me."
What's your nickname?
"General"
Who gave it to you and why?
"[Chuckling) To be honest I was good. I got it from this other grootman who used to come and watch us play during our days as young boys."
Did you like it?
"At first, I didn't pay much attention to it because I was only eight years old at the time.
"So, I've always been called General. So, I ended up liking it. It became my 'real' name."
Anyone that didn't use it?
"Only my wife and my family at home. It was difficult for them to call me General, I guess. It would be strange each time someone called me by my real name."
If you could relive it, what would you want your nickname to be?
"Computer [laughs]. The thing is I played a lot of my football in eKasi. I got to play professional football very late. Recently I was even honoured by the community of Katlehong. Thanking me for my contribution, for entertaining them."
Who should we ask for their nickname story?
"Sibusiso Mazibuko, his nickname is My Fohloza."
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In