Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wandisile Letlabika has shared his thoughts on his nickname ‘Mabra'.
Letlabika has been known as Mabra for most of his football career that has seen him play for Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic and Moroka Swallows.
However, it is a name that has been received differently among football circles and Letlabika says while some of his former coaches liked it, Pitso Mosimane had great reservations.
“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,” Letlabika told KickOff.
Letlabika gives honest thoughts on his nickname
“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.
“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.”
The Kruger United defender then went into details over why Mosimane did not like using that name when they worked together.
Why did Pitso not embrace the name Mabra?
“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],” he added.
Nonetheless, Letlabika is thankful that Bloemfontein supporters saw it fit to give him the name and is disappointed that he will never be able to don the club’s shirt again.
“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,” he added, paying tributes to the club’s fans.
“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.”
