In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, KickOff catches up with Kaizer Chiefs' Great Zebulon 'Seputla' Nhlapo.
Nhlapo says the first day he arrived at Chiefs he was even scared to take part in the club's training session.
Who I signed for?
"Kaizer Chiefs in 1980. It was in January. I was 17 years old at the time.
"I joined from Springs Home Sweepers. The team was owned by my father, but ended up being owned by Skheshekheshe Mkhonza following my father's death."
How did you find out?
"After hearing that there was a team called Pilkington United Brothers that was looking to sign me, Skheshekheshe Mkhonza took me to Kaizer Chiefs.
"I was still at school back then. I was star-struck to see the likes of Ace Ntsoelengoe, Shaka Ngcobo, Wagga-Wagga Likoebe, Bull Lehoko, and Ryder Mofokeng, the list is endless.
"I stood behind the goalposts on my first day, not knowing what to do. That day I decided to be a ball boy (laughs). I was nervous.
"The second day Skheshekheshe who was also playing for Chiefs convinced me to take part in training. I impressed. Mario Tuani was our coach then.
"While speaking to Tuani I saw a tall guy coming towards us. It was Kaizer Motaung himself. He said to the coach, those fans who came to watch today's training session say they will not allow us to leave if we don't sign this young man right here right now. That's how I joined Chiefs."
Where did you meet?
"The next day they came to collect me and my mom. We went to the Chiefs training grounds and my mom signed on my behalf."
Who was there?
"It was my Mom, Kaizer Motaung, and a guy called Jabu Mahlangu."
What surprised you?
"Becoming a Kaizer Chiefs player only after two days it's what surprised me. (laughs). I was now going to get paid by Chiefs."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Everything. Kaizer Chiefs have always kept their promises. Not even in a single day did my salary arrive late."
Did you see the out contract?
"I stayed there for a long time. Kaizer wouldn't let me go. Jomo Cosmos tried to recruit me but failed. I only left Chiefs in 1989, and even then I was still on loan at Vaal Reef Stars. I retired at a very young age, at the age of 29."
What you would change?
"Nothing. Everything in that club is being run professionally. So they were professional during our negotiation."