In this edition of Story Behind The Nickname, KickOff catches up with Baroka FC's leading striker, Siyabonga Godfrey Mtombeni, about his nickname 'Sniper'.
The centre-forward was signed by Baroka FC in 2023 after scoring 17 goals for Jomo Cosmos in the ABC Motsepe League for the previous season.
His ability to play the target man role with perfection has seen the likes of AmaZulu FC keeping tabs on him.
Who is Siyabonga Mtombeni, could you please give us a little background?
"Siyabonga Godfrey Mtombeni is a Baroka FC forward playing in the Motsepe Foundation league for the second season.
"Well, I grew up at extension 4 Mhluzi in Middelburg. It was discovered in a park near my place by my coach, Mrango Mmadi when I was just 12 years old. He signed me there on the spot to their SAB team, Mhluzi United FC. That's where I started my football. Then, when the team was renamed Bongani Mabilisa FC, I signed with the NFD team FC Sporting.
"We got relegated, and then the chairman of Jomo Cosmos in the ABC Motsepe league gave me a chance. I played one season, which was enough for Baroka FC to give me a contract.
"I was a top goalscorer in the SAB U-21 nationals, Mhluzi United and Bongani Mabilisa FC combined and a top goalscorer at Jomo Cosmos.
"I am still a work in progress."
What's your nickname?
"Sniper."
"However, there is another teammate of mine at Baroka who I share the nickname with. But I guess it's either me or him who will live up to this nickname. Maybe the fans will me another nickname that will suit me, hahaha!"
Who gave it to you and why?
"Mr. Nkululeko Maphanga, because I always hit the goalkeepers unexpectedly from the distance."
Did you like it?
"Yeah, I do like it. It motivates me that I should keep scoring, keep hitting the net."
Lastly, if you were given another chance to give yourself a nickname, who would you be?
"I don't think I would still choose another one because leli liqhaza konke ngam [This one describes exactly the type of player I am]."