In this edition of the feature, In The Spotlight, Bloemfontein Celtic legend Kleinbooi Taaibos opens up to KickOff.
Growing up, who was your idol and why?
"My idol was Isaac 'Shakes' Kungwane. Unfortunately for me, he was left-footed and I was right-footed, but I wanted to play football like he did. I grew up idolizing him."
Growing up, which team did you support?
"I supported Kaizer Chiefs, particularly because of Doctor Khumalo, Ace Khuse, and Lucas Radebe. However, I stopped supporting them when I joined Bloemfontein Celtic."
What was your breakthrough into top-flight football?
"After they got relegated, Bloemfontein Celtic came to our area in Welkom to play a friendly match against mineworkers from Harmony. We were the curtain-raisers for that game. After the match, Celtic officials chose me, Jorry Merahe, and three other guys."
Who was your best friend in football?
"I was close to Elias Ngwepe, Gary Goldstone, James Madidilane, and Mothibantwa was just my boy."
Is there anything you dislike about football?
"What I dislike about football is the presence of dishonest people. Our football is full of dishonesty."
Who is your favourite player in South Africa at the moment?
"It's the president of Ama-2000. He's just special and a rare breed. The magic he possesses at his age and stature makes him my favourite player right now—I'm talking about Relebohile Mofokeng."
If you could join any club in South Africa right now, which club would it be?
"I would join a well-structured and well-run team like Kaizer Chiefs. I've always had a desire to play for Kaizer Chiefs."
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"I would choose Brazil for their love of the game. However, in terms of living there, I'm not too sure. If it were just for staying, I would choose America."