In this edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, former winger Gabriel Nyoni reveals how a 10-day trial with Maritzburg United was brought to an abrupt end after only three days.
The Zimbabwean shares how his move to the KwaZulu-Natal-based club that is now known as Durban City came about in July 2019.
Who did you sign for?
"I signed for Maritzburg United back in 2019, coming from a good run in form with CAPS United back in Zimbabwe.
"At that time, I was a wanted man in Botswana, but Maritzburg United sent an invitation for a trial, which was supposed to last 10 days."
How did you find out?
"The day I travelled to Pietermaritzburg for the 10-day trial stint was the day I was convinced in mind that I was going to pass this trial and make it. It took me only days to convince the Eric Tinkler-led team to sign me. The manager informed me on day three that they wanted to sign me. So, the whole process began from there, which included me traveling to Zim to get a police clearance."
Where did you meet?
"The day I signed, we met at Mr Farook's [Kadodia, chairman] office, and there was a panel of executives that was waiting for me. I sat down to sign on my own without anyone representing me by my side. It was the biggest decision of my career and there I was on my own, trying to negotiate my contract."
Who was there?
"It was me and Maritzburg United executives. I felt small, considering the big and respected people who were in the room. But as the conversation went on, I felt at home. I would love to meet them again, maybe this time working for them as a marketing person since I have a degree in marketing ... or one day as the coach."
What surprised you?
"The details of the contract surprised me. I can't disclose them in any way, but it's the details of the contract that surprised me."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Honestly, I think they gave me more than what I wanted, which was an opportunity to showcase my career. Everything that happened on that day was a stepping stone to the rest of the things that happened in my life from there. All I wanted was an opportunity, and indeed, I got one."
Did you see out the contract?
"Unfortunately, I couldn't finish up the contract because of continuous injuries that affected me during my stay at Maritzburg United. It's something that was way beyond my control."
What would you change?
"If I had the power to change anything, I would change the injuries I got after signing the contract. I could have reached greater heights than I did. But will be back in football as a coach or in marketing."