In our exciting feature In The Spotlight, today KickOff catches up with former Orlando Pirates defender Daniel 'Sailor' Tshabalala.
Tshabalala reveals how he had a hand in elevating the career of Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng.
Growing up who was your idol?
"My mom and dad were my idols. I come from a family that had no education, both my father and my mom didn't go to school.
"They were my role models because they had fewer things but still made me happy."
What is your favourite team?
"Orlando Pirates. Once and always. I'm a card-carrying member. I think I was the only player in South African football who had a supporter membership card for the club he played for at the same time [laughs]. I'm a Bhakaniya through and through.
"My father, it would break his heart to see Pirates lose a match, so it was always my dream to play for the club and make him happy by helping Pirates win matches.
"He could not believe it when it happened. He was so happy after. Initially, he was against the idea of me playing the sport, he wanted me to focus more on education."
Who was the most influential person in your career?
"My mother. She's been with me through thick and thin. May her soul rest in peace."
Your break into topflight football?
"I was playing for Silver Stars, and we played against Orlando Pirates. That was the game that sold me to them. In that game, I was performing for them to see me."
Who was your best friend in football?
"Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Petrus Sabalela, the graduate of School Of Excellence. We grew up together, our friendship started at the age of seven."
What do you dislike about football?
"People who are running the game are not honest, they are not loyal to the game itself."
Who is your favourite player in South Africa at the moment?
"My graduate Relebohile Mofokeng. I met him while he was still at primary school in Sharpeville, he was playing for a coach called Shimbala. He was amazing, and after that, I went to meet the mother, and everything was history."
If you could join any club right now as a player, which club would it be?
"I'm a Bhakaniya through and through."