In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala reveals what took place behind the scenes the day he signed for the Glamour Boys.
The former Platinum Stars, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns star has won not less than four silverware in his entire football career.
Who I signed for?
"Kaizer Chiefs in 2007. I was so excited. Remember I have been stopped from training at Silver Stars.
"I was waiting for my agent to tell me what's the next move. I was training alone because I didn't want to renew my contract with Stars."
How did you find out?
"I was chilling at home when my agent which was Tim Sukazi, gave me a call and asked me to meet him in Naturena.
"I was in Naturena two hours before the meeting (laughs). There I was outside the gates of the Kaizer Chiefs Village waiting for my agent to arrive (laughs).
"But because I was inside some Polo car, people couldn't see me. Excitement was killing me.
"When Sukazi finally got there he gave them a call and they came to fetch us at the gate."
Where did you meet?
"In Kaizer Motaung's office. Inside the Kaizer Chiefs Village, there was a Nike office, after signing I was taken to that office and I was given three huge bags full of Kaizer Chiefs and Nike merchandise. I said to myself wow!
"Remember I signed in February when the transfer window was already closed. So I couldn't play for Chiefs until the following season. I only trained with the team but couldn't play in the official games."
Who was there?
"It was Kaizer Motaung himself, Bobsteak, Abdul Mayet, me and my manager Sukazi."
What surprised you?
"The whole set-up of the village. Entering the Kaizer Chiefs Village it was a dream come true for me. It was unbelievable and overwhelming."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Yes, of course, coming from earning R2500 at Silver Stars, obviously whatever Chiefs offered was more than double (laughs)."
Did you see out the contract?
"I signed three years and stayed two years, the third year I was part of the swap deal that saw Josta Dladla moving from Sundowns to Chiefs."
What you would change?
"I would change nothing. I think whatever happened in my career happened for a reason.
"Everything that happened taught me something. I had a very successful career. I wouldn't change it for anything."