Sundowns’ Signature Style: The Shoeshine and Piano Legacy of ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala

SUNDOWNS' SIGNATURE STYLE

THE SHOESHINE AND PIANO LEGACY OF 'SCREAMER' TSHABALALA

Author: Danny Sehularo

The ‘shoeshine and piano’ playing style associated with Mamelodi Sundowns is so deeply entrenched in the Club’s DNA that it is impossible to separate the two. To put it into perspective, it forms a significant part of Sundowns’ heritage.

Since the system was introduced by the late Coach Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala in the 80s, generation after generation of Masandawana players have their own stories to tell about this trend. Tshabalala’s former assistant and confidant, Trott Moloto, recalls with excitement how the ‘shoeshine and piano’ phenomenon set the team apart from the rest of the domestic league—a trait the Pretoria powerhouse is still identified with to this day.

Zola Mahobe, the late former Sundowns owner who bought the Club in 1985, hugely contributed to laying a foundation to turn the Club into a stylish outfit, an identity further reinforced by the team’s other nickname, “Bafana Ba Style.”

Mahobe’s admiration for the Brazilian national team was evident in Sundowns’ canary yellow shirts and blue shorts, as well as the nickname “Brazilians”.

Mahobe was also captivated by the Italian national team, who had just won the FIFA World Cup in 1982. This was just a few years before he bought Sundowns from its previous owners, medical doctors, Motsiri Itsweng and Bonny Sebotsane.
Moloto pointed out that the appointment of Tshabalala as head coach of Sundowns was the cherry on top.

“Zola was strategic in assembling a team that suited our shoeshine and piano system. We were fortunate to have players who adapted well to this style. In the beginning, we had the likes of Zane Moosa, one of the best dribblers. Over time, players like Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali, Roger ‘The General’ Feutmba, and more recently, Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane, became integral to this approach,” Moloto observes.

So, What Exactly Is Shoeshine And Piano?

“It can take a while to fully explain this style of play, but you could say it’s deeply rooted in the culture of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club,” says Moloto, who dug deep to find the perfect words to describe the unique concept that has captivated supporters over the years.

He elaborates: “When Screamer came in, he wanted us to play ‘touch’ football Shoeshine and piano fit perfectly with that approach. The system involves building from the back, passing the ball around the field and keeping things simple while maintaining control of the game.”

Moloto adds that the style remains a key feature of Sundowns’ game today, displayed through polished, well-crafted play that continues to set the Club apart.
“The concept was introduced by Screamer after he returned from a tour in Italy sometime in the mid-80s. He spent two weeks there.

“While in Italy, Screamer had the opportunity to visit three of the top Cubs: AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. At one of these Clubs, Screamer picked up the word ‘piano’ from a coach giving instructions to players. With his sharp sense of humor, Screamer swore he also heard something that sounded like “shoeshine!'” chuckled Moloto
The word ‘piano’ in Italian has several meanings, including ‘easy.’ In the Sundowns context, it should be understood as ‘piano piano,’ which means ‘little by little’ or ‘step by step.’

“‘Piano piano’ can also mean ‘be gentle’ or ‘calm down,’" Moloto explains.

Reflecting on the trip, Moloto says the Italian experience helped shape Screamer’s character and methods.

“Despite his humor, Screamer had a serious side. He could apply what he learned,— to contribute to the brand of Mamelodi Sundows to what it is today. He was meticulous and the shoeshine and piano system was a reflection of that.”

“While he was in Italy, Screamer jotted down notes on everything he observed at the training grounds. He told me, ‘As a schoolteacher, you’ll help put this together and implement it as our new methodology.’”

Former Sundowns captain and legend Go Mabusela also recalls the influence of Coach Tshabalala on the shoeshine and piano philosophy.

“I remember during training, he would say, ‘Piano, guys!’ While we initially thought he was referring to a musical instrument, we later realized it was his call to knock the ball around and play with rhythm. Stan was a different kind of coach. He had quite a number of talented players on his roster, and what he would often do is ask the senior players for their opinions.”

“He would say, ‘In your view, who do you think, between this player and that player, would you prefer and why?’ By listening to all the players, he would identify the common preferences, which helped him understand the team dynamics better. That was a thoughtful approach to coaching. He was humble and had a deep passion for the game and he truly hated losing. His dedication to the sport and us as players left a lasting impact on all of us.”

Dapper Fashion Sense Complements Playing Style

The influence of Italian football on Mamelodi Sundowns didn’t end with the slight adaptation in their playing style—it also extended to Trott Moloto’s elegant fashion sense.

As a schoolteacher at Phefeni Secondary School in Soweto during his earlier years, Moloto was known for his love of formal attire, often sporting suits, ties and smart shoes.

His sharp dress sense earned him the nickname “Trapattoni,” or sometimes simply “Trapa,” a reference to Giovanni Trapattoni, one of the most successful Club coaches in Italian football history. Trapattoni won numerous league titles with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, and also enjoyed success with the Italian national team.

During his time on the sidelines, Trapattoni was famously known for coaching in a suit and tie. Moloto recalls that it was Screamer Tshabalala who encouraged him to emulate the iconic Italian coach’s formal style on match days.

Though Tshabalala has since passed, his legacy—defined by the “shoeshine and piano” philosophy—continues to shape the identity of Mamelodi Sundowns, remaining a significant part of the Club’s heritage.

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