Dancing Shoes
Bernard Hatze was nicknamed ‘Dancing Shoes’ because of his skills and footwork. ‘Dancing Shoes’ was born in Marabastad, 1950 and later played for Marabastad Sundowns (now Mamelodi Sundowns). Some of his teammates included Vincent Julius – the first back player to cross the colour line and play for a white professional club; Ingle Singh – captain of the national Indian squad in later years – Joey Lawrence, Smiley Moosa and his brother Mally Hartze. He joined Orlando Pirates in 1967 where he played alongside Kaizer Motaung, Percy ‘Chippa’ Moloi and Rashid ‘Dynamite’ Khan. In 1975 he earned a move to the North American Soccer League (NASL) where he played for Tampa Rowdies, Tacoma Tides and Sacramento Spirits. He later joined Hellenic but he will always be remembered for his skills.
Chincha Guluva
He might be known as a Kaizer Chiefs chairman these days but during his playing career, Kaize Motaung, was known as ‘Chincha Guluva’. A dribbling wizard who wore the black and white colours of Orlando Pirates with pride. After the departure of Dave Motsamai, who left to form his own club Black Pirates, Orlando Pirates brought in Chincha Guluva, the Khoza twins, Gabriel and Abram as well as Kaiser Mkwanazi as replacements. But it was Motaung’s long legs and dribbling skills which caused defenders to freeze. ‘Boy Boy’, as Motaung was called in the 1960’s, joined Atlanta Braves in America. Upon his return – Pirates were in turmoil and suspended three players – Thomas ‘Zero’ Johnson, Ratha Mogoatlheng and Edward ‘Msomi’ Khoza. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
Bashin
Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu had one of the deadliest shots during his career. He was in his mid-twenties when he played for Mamelodi Sundowns alongside Mike Mangena and Mike Ntombela in 1985. During that season he played 29 matches and scored nine goals. ‘Ayashisa mateki’ as he was also affectionately known, joined Orlando Pirates in 1988 at the age of 30 and that is when he made his mark. During his first season with the Buccaneers, he scored 15 goals and finished the season with the Bob Save Super Bowl winners’ medal. In January 1993, he made his international debut as Bafana Bafana defeated Botswana 2-0.
Chippa
There are many players nicknamed ‘Chippa’ these days but the first one is non-other than former Orlando Pirates player, Percy ‘Chippa’ Moloi. Chippa was the son of Gilbert ‘KK’ Moloi – a former Rockville Hungry Lions player. When he was 18, Chippa joined Transvaal United, a Federation League team that played in at the Natalspruit grounds. After moving to Soweto, he joined Orlando Pirates where he made name for himself. His son, Tebogo Moloi, also played for the Buccaneers. Chippa passed away on 20 November 1987.
The Great
Former Moroka Swallows midfielder, Aubrey ‘The Great’ Makgopela, was one of best young talents in South African football in the early 1980’s. The Meadowlands-born was a midfield general with skill and organisations abilities. But his career faded during the 1985 soccer split which gave birth to the National Soccer League (NSL). The Great returned in 1987 and this time in the colors of Giant Blackpool before joining Kaizer Chiefs at the twilight of his career.
By Zola Doda
*Include excepts from Diski Legends