In this edition of My First Paycheque, former Kaizer Chiefs striker Shaun Permall reveals his first-ever salary in professional football.
Permall who these days works as a Law Enforcement officer for the City of Cape Town, also played for the likes of Cape Town Spurs and Moroka Swallows.
Who did you sign for?
"Cape Town Spurs in 1997. I was very excited I was still at school. I was 16 years old and doing Grade 11."
How much was it?
"R500. That was in the PSL by the way. Those days it was a lot. A Burger at Spur was R16.
"Those days it wasn't about the money it was about playing football."
How I celebrated
"I took my mom to Spur. That was a big thing in those days, going to Spur."
What I bought with it
"I wasn't into clothing; I was always in the club's stuff. I only woke up about fashion when I went to Holland."
Did it last you the full month?
"I gave the rest of the money to my mother. That's how it used to be back in the day.
"I can say it did last me the full month though because they would give me some if I needed money. I was never short of anything.
"I was not from a rich family, but I was never short of anything, my father worked for us.
"My only regret is not using the opportunity that was there at Kaizer Chiefs later on in my career.
"The club had a relationship with the university RAU at the time. But the demands that come with being a professional footballer did not allow me to use that opportunity, you know travelling there and there, was never easy.
"Those are things that make you get ahead of yourself, the travelling. But I do regret not studying."