Legendary former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi has shared his thoughts on why modern footballers rarely carry the kind of nicknames that once defined South African football culture. Speaking as the Soweto giants celebrate their 56th birthday, the Amakhosi icon reflected on the contrasts between today’s players and those from his era, particularly during their formative years. Setlhodi, who earned his famous “Banks” nickname through commanding performances and fearless goalkeeping, said nicknames were once a natural part of football culture. They were not manufactured by branding teams or marketing departments, but earned on dusty fields, in township tournaments, and through consistent displays of character. According to him, a nickname symbolised identity, reputation, and respect among teammates, opponents, and supporters. He explained that during his generation, young players spent countless hours playing street football and competitive community matches before entering professional systems. Those environments encouraged creativity, personality, and individuality. “You didn’t choose your nickname,” Setlhodi noted. “It was given to you by people who watched you play and understood your style.” Whether it was a reference to flair, bravery, or a unique habit on the field, nicknames captured the essence of a player. Setlhodi believes the modern football pathway has changed dramatically. Today’s players are often introduced to structured academies at a young age, where discipline, tactics, and systems take priority. While this has improved professionalism and technical development, he feels it has reduced the organic culture that once shaped players’ identities. Young footballers are now coached to fit into systems rather than express themselves freely, leaving little room for the personalities that once inspired memorable nicknames. He also pointed to the influence of social media and commercial pressures. Modern players are more conscious of image, branding, and public perception, which can discourage the playful and raw traits that once defined local football heroes. In contrast, players of his generation were judged purely on performance and character, not online presence. Reflecting on Kaizer Chiefs’ 56-year milestone, Setlhodi said the club’s history is filled with characters whose nicknames still live on in football folklore. He believes those names helped connect players to supporters, making them relatable and larger than life. For him, that bond was a vital part of the club’s identity and success. While acknowledging the progress made in modern football, Setlhodi hopes young players can rediscover some of the freedom and individuality of the past. He believes that allowing personality to flourish on the pitch could not only revive the culture of nicknames, but also enrich the game itself. As Chiefs celebrate another year of their storied existence, Setlhodi’s reflections serve as a reminder that football is not only about results and systems, but also about character, culture, and the stories that players create along the way.

 

Legendary former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi has shared his thoughts on why modern footballers rarely carry the kind of nicknames that once defined South African football culture. Speaking as the Soweto giants celebrate their 56th birthday, the Amakhosi icon reflected on the contrasts between today’s players and those from his era, particularly during their formative years.

Setlhodi, who earned his famous “Banks” nickname through commanding performances and fearless goalkeeping, said nicknames were once a natural part of football culture. They were not manufactured by branding teams or marketing departments, but earned on dusty fields, in township tournaments, and through consistent displays of character. According to him, a nickname symbolised identity, reputation, and respect among teammates, opponents, and supporters.

He explained that during his generation, young players spent countless hours playing street football and competitive community matches before entering professional systems. Those environments encouraged creativity, personality, and individuality. “You didn’t choose your nickname,” Setlhodi noted. “It was given to you by people who watched you play and understood your style.” Whether it was a reference to flair, bravery, or a unique habit on the field, nicknames captured the essence of a player.

Setlhodi believes the modern football pathway has changed dramatically. Today’s players are often introduced to structured academies at a young age, where discipline, tactics, and systems take priority. While this has improved professionalism and technical development, he feels it has reduced the organic culture that once shaped players’ identities. Young footballers are now coached to fit into systems rather than express themselves freely, leaving little room for the personalities that once inspired memorable nicknames.

He also pointed to the influence of social media and commercial pressures. Modern players are more conscious of image, branding, and public perception, which can discourage the playful and raw traits that once defined local football heroes. In contrast, players of his generation were judged purely on performance and character, not online presence.

Reflecting on Kaizer Chiefs’ 56-year milestone, Setlhodi said the club’s history is filled with characters whose nicknames still live on in football folklore. He believes those names helped connect players to supporters, making them relatable and larger than life. For him, that bond was a vital part of the club’s identity and success.

While acknowledging the progress made in modern football, Setlhodi hopes young players can rediscover some of the freedom and individuality of the past. He believes that allowing personality to flourish on the pitch could not only revive the culture of nicknames, but also enrich the game itself.

As Chiefs celebrate another year of their storied existence, Setlhodi’s reflections serve as a reminder that football is not only about results and systems, but also about character, culture, and the stories that players create along the way.