In this edition of My Muti Story, KickOff speaks to a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder once touted as the next Doctor Khumalo, Michael Nkambule, as he opens up on the use of muti during his playing days.
Nkambule reveals how Black Leopards players were given a muti bathe just before their league match against Moroka Swallows got underway.
Who and where?
"I remember I was already at Black Leopards when a muti man stormed into the dressing room and threw water on our faces.
"At half time, we went to our change room; Moroka Swallows were leading us 1-0, and Leopards chairman David Thidiela was already in the changeroom waiting for us.
"In a loud voice, Thidiela told the muti man: 'Hey! Bathele futhi!' [Laughs]. Eish, he threw more water on us."
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Why were you doing it?
"There was no explanation, and as you know, these teams don't talk about such things. As a player, you just do as the Romans do."
Who was the muti man?
"I don't know man, he dressed normal, you couldn't even tell he was a muti man. But once he started working you could tell muti was his profession."
What did you have to do?
"There are no instructions, except maybe that they are doing it to get wins. Hence, they even pay a muti man."
Did everyone take part?
"You will never say no. If you dare refuse to take part, you will be inviting [upon] yourself a big problem.
"You can even lose your job; that's how these teams take this thing seriously. You are forced to participate in something you don't even believe in, just to honor your contract."
What stood out?
"Nothing stood out, we didn't even score a single goal against Swallows that day."
What was the result?
"We lost that game 2-1. But if muti worked then how come the continent of Africa has never won the FIFA World Cup?"