Last week, we looked at teams that have changed their names over the years, so today we focus on players who have changed their surnames. Can you think of any?
In South Africa, it has become quite common for players to change their name – here are a few examples of footballers who have done so.
Mbulelo Mabizela
When the former Orlando Pirates captain made his PSL debut he was known as Mbulelo Old-John. Contrary to popular belief, Old-John is Mabizela's maternal name, not a nickname.
Jabu Mahlangu
Affectionately known as "Shuffle the Pack" because of his plentiful skills, the dribbling wizard made a name for himself while still known as Jabu Pule. His off-the-pitch antics affected his game and, in an attempt to curb his wayward ways, he performed a ritual and changed his surname to Mahlangu – the name of his deceased father.
Thabang Stemmer
Known as Thabang Radebe when he broke into the elite league, the former Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper later changed his surname to Stemmer.
Steve Lekoelea
In the mid-1990s, a Moroka Swallows teenager known as Steve Motsiri terrorised an ageing Neil Tovey with his trickery. That youngster was snapped up by Orlando Pirates and became famous as Steve Lekoelea.
Clayton Daniels
The SuperSport United defender was previously known as Clayton Jagers during his Ajax Cape Town days. Today, though, the tough-as-nails defender goes by the surname of Daniels.
Josta Dladla
Now in the twilight of his career and playing for an embattled Moroka Swallows outfit, the winger was known as Josta Makgala when he broke into the Wits University side in the late-90s. He later changed his surname to Dladla and enjoyed an illustrious career, which saw him ply his trade in the Danish top flight and for local big guns like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
Mlungisi Mdluli
When Maritzburg City set the local scene alight at the turn of the century with a good run in the Bob Save Super Bowl (now known as the Nedbank Cup), players such Mbulelo Old-John, Andile Cele and Jimmy Tau all made headlines. However, there was an unsung hero by the name of Mlungisi Gumbi, who did the dirty work in midfield. Affectionately known as "Professor", the anchorman later played for Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates, where he changed his surname to Mdluli.
Manti Mekoa
Renowned for his fine fashion taste, the Maritzburg United midfielder recently changed his surname to Mekoa. During his Free State Stars and Orlando Pirates days, though, he was known as Manti Moholo.
Do you know of any other players who changed their names?
