In our latest feature Where Are They Now, KickOff catches up with former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Alton Meiring on life after football.
The former lethal striker played for renowned clubs in a decorated career for teams such as Sundowns, Jomo Cosmos and Golden Arrows.
Who am I?
"I started with Hellenic, then I moved onto Cape Town Spurs.
"There was a merger between Cape Town Spurs and Seven Stars before they became Ajax Cape Town, where the team called Mother City was formed.
"The deal between Rob Moore and John Comitis was whoever ends highest on the PSL log table will have more power.
"So, Seven Stars ended higher than Cape Town Spurs. So, Cape Town Spurs' franchise had to be sold.
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"So, I went to Mother City because the owners wanted me to be part of that deal.
"That didn't make me feel special though because I also wanted to go where others were going."
My playing days?
"So, from there, I went to Sundowns, AmaZulu, Manning Rangers, Golden Arrows, Jomo Cosmos, Platinum Stars.
"At Sundowns it was a nice experience, but I didn't enjoy like I did in Durban."
Did I make money from soccer?
"Nobody makes enough money, trust me. Especially if you have children. If it was enough, I wouldn't be trying to get back to football to coach.
"In football, nobody is set for life, trust me."
Where I'm living?
"East Rand in Johannesburg."
Jobs since playing the game?
"Property business. I've been selling houses since I was playing."
Current job?
"You can just say I'm self-employed."
If I could do it again?
"I'd be more responsible because the day you get your last salary cheque there is a reality check.
"So many players make that mistake, thinking it will never end. It was just a sudden stop.
"When you don't get a salary, everything stops suddenly.
"So, if I could do it again, I'd be more responsible in my spending and personal life. I'd be much better.
"I've never been drunk in my life; I don't drink, and I don't smoke. I was just too open-handed when it came to helping this one and helping that one.
"I thought the football would never stop; I thought the money would just keep on coming. That was my mistake. I. Thought my money would never end."