In this edition of Locker Room Secrets, KickOff speaks to former Moroka Swallows captain Goodman Hlongwane.
What was the Moroka Swallows changeroom like during your time there?
"At Moroka Swallows, the changeroom was all about singing and rituals. My teammates included Congo Malebane, Ace Mnini, Andries Mpondo, Marcus Mphafudi, and the late Joseph Rapelego. We played in the JPS Knockout final against Kaizer Chiefs and also competed in the Ohlssons Challenge Cup of Champions. I spent about ten years at Swallows."
Who was always late?
"The whole team was usually late. Remember, we traveled to training together using team transport, but Aubrey 'The Beast' Seboko was the worst."
Any interesting rituals before games?
"The players used to go to the toilet naked, wearing only their soccer boots and socks. You see, as men, we differ in sizes, so some guys would walk around the dressing room showing off. This could make others feel self-conscious. Some of the guys who weren't as well-endowed would even shower with their underpants on to avoid becoming a laughing stock."
Who was the jokester?
"Master Motloung was our main guy when it came to jokes."
Was it a muti changeroom?
"Almost every team used muti back then. When you would go to Vosloorus to play against Jomo Cosmos, you could find the tunnel and dressing room smelling quite unpleasant."
Who was the singer?
"We all enjoyed singing, but we mostly sang church songs."
Who was the best dressed and who was the worst dressed?
"The best dressed was Eric Ramasike. As for the worst dressed, I think that was me. I used to wear those legendary Pepe jeans! Even now, when I look at some of my photos, I ask myself, 'What was I wearing?'"
Who never showered?
"Nobody. We all showered. After a game, we would sprint to the showers because we didn't want to find all the hot water gone."
Which coach gave the best team talks?
"That would be Mich D'Avray. We nearly won the league under him, but towards the end, we lost two games, and Sundowns ended up winning the league by just one point."