Yusuf Jappie recalls muti ritual before Free State Stars’ win over Kaizer Chiefs

Former Free State Stars player Yusuf Jappie has recalled being forced to take part in a muti ritual before the club’s 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs, despite his personal religious objections.

Jappie, speaking in this edition of Locker Room Secrets, said he was made to wash with liquid from a two-litre Coca-Cola bottle before the match. He said the bottle looked as if it contained a soft drink, but the contents were something else.

“I don’t believe in it, obviously because of my religion, but I did play for clubs that believed in muti,” said Jappie.

“I remember standing in a shower, with a 2 litre bottle of Coca-Cola, but what was inside was not Coke. I didn’t want to use it, but they warned me, ‘If you don’t want to do it, we will tell the boss!’ I had to do it.”

Jappie explained that he had to wash both arms from the elbows down to his hands, as well as his legs from the knees to his feet. He also had to wash his face with the substance.

“That day, we beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1,” he added.

The 31-year-old is still pursuing his playing career and said he is currently training with an ABC Motsepe League team in Cape Town. He stressed that retirement is not yet on his agenda.

“I’m definitely enjoying it. Remember, I’m not retired yet. Currently, I’m training with an ABC Motsepe League team here in Cape Town. Football is my passion. It’s something I live for,” he said.

“By the way, I’m 31 years old. I’m still very young and I’m still going strong. So, I’m happy with my career so far, but I’m still pushing to still reach the highest level currently.”

Jappie described earning a professional contract with Bidvest Wits at the age of 18 as his biggest achievement so far. Gavin Hunt was the coach who gave him that opportunity.

He said Free State Stars was the club where he enjoyed his football most, because the coaches encouraged the players to express themselves.

“At Free State Stars. I played my best football there because we had coaches that enjoyed to watch us play our game,” Jappie said.

The former player also shared some lighter dressing-room memories. He admitted that he could himself be late, but said Kiyaam Bull, during their time at La Masia, was the worst offender.

“[Laughs] The thing is I fall into that category too. But it’s a player by the name of Kiyaam Bull at La Masia that takes the cake. He was from Cape Town. He was just always too tired or he overslept, everyday.”

Taariq Fielies, who played with Jappie at Milano, was identified as the biggest joker. Jappie said Fielies would tease everyone, regardless of their status.

Ebrahim Seedat was regarded as the best-dressed player, while Jethren Barr was given the opposite distinction during their time at Bidvest Wits.

“Jethren Barr at Bidvest Wits. He would wear flip-flops with a short and a sweater when it was raining. How do you come to training like that? You ask him he tells you he is fine, as long as his body feels warm.”

Asked which former team-mate never showered, Jappie rejected the suggestion that anyone skipped the routine.

“We all showered. Everybody showered.”

He was also unable to name one coach as the best of his career, saying every coach had played an important role in his development.

“Unfortunately I can’t mention one. All of them made a huge contribution to my football career. I value them the same way.”