In this edition of Story Behind The Nickname, KickOff catches up with former Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Hilton Jordaan about his nickname "The River".
The retired Jordaan who started as a striker explains how he earned the nickname.
In an era where almost every white player was called "mlungu", Jordaan was so good he managed to get a unique nickname.
Who and where did you play?
"I joined Jomo Cosmos in 1995, I was at Robertsham Callies in 1994, so I came from an amateur team.
"I was playing center-forward, the same thing as Mark Fish. Jomo Sono saw me in one of the Cosmos training sessions and said to me, I want you to be a defender. I said no problem."
What's your nickname?
"The River"
Who gave it to you and why?
"I think it was one of the supporters at Jomo Cosmos, the old man, his name was Collen.
"He said nobody crosses the river Jordan without confessing their sins. Nobody used to come past me. So that's how I got the name."
Did you like it?
"Yes, I liked it very much, till today it sticks hey. River Jordan, I thought it was quite a good nickname for me."
Anyone that didn't use it?
"No. Everyone called me River Jordan."
If you could relieve it, what would you want your nickname to be?
"Nah, I like this one, I don't think it could get better than that. I liked this nickname.
"A nickname is very important you know if it's from the fans, it's more for the fans you know.
"Not having one it's not the end of the world you know, but if you've got one then you must know you've made quite an impression on people.
"I think the fans have also changed now, it's more of the younger generations that go to the stadiums.
"Though you still have the older generation going to stadiums, nicknames have fallen by the wayside.
"It's no longer like the 70s, 80s and 90s you know. Back then if you didn't have a nickname, that was it, you didn't tick the boxes."