Football is more than just a game—it is moments, memories and the magic that happens when players click on the pitch. Few partnerships have captured fans’ hearts like Thabo Mooki and Thabang Lebese at Kaizer Chiefs in the late 1990s. Their combination was so electric that supporters coined the chant “Thabo Thiba Thabang”, a catchy slogan that perfectly rolled off the tongue.

Thabo Mooki, with his vision and precise passing, orchestrated play from midfield, while Thabang Lebese’s creativity, dribbling and scoring ability constantly troubled defenses. Together, they brought Chiefs a period of exciting football and helped secure trophies, including league titles and domestic cups, cementing their place in the club’s history.

Fast forward a decade, and another South African fan-favourite combination emerged at Mamelodi Sundowns under coach Pitso Mosimane. The CBD —the partnership formed by Learnado Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolley—was a masterclass in teamwork and attacking fluidity. Castro’s attacking prowess, Billiat’s flair and creativity, and Dolley’s pace and finishing made Sundowns a formidable force. This trio played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic dominance, helping Sundowns clinch multiple PSL titles and domestic cups and leaving fans in awe of their cohesion and skill.

From Chiefs’ “Thabo Thiba Thabang” to Sundowns’ CBD, these partnerships remind fans of the joy of watching players connect, anticipate each other and lift their clubs to glory. They spark nostalgia and conversations about the magic of teamwork on the pitch—a reminder that football history is often written in duos, trios and combinations that leave a lasting mark.

Which combination stands out for you in the history of South African football?