In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, former Mamelodi Sundowns central midfielder Thando Mngomeni reveals why his stay at the South African football giants was so short.
The 40-year-old is the younger brother of former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni.
Thando also had stints at the likes of Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United.
Who I signed for?
"I signed for Mamelodi Sundowns in 2008. I have always been a Sundowns fan. So, for me joining Sundowns was just like ticking that box.
"Obviously at the time they were rebuilding, and a lot of players were leaving the club, and a lot of players were coming in.
"So, it was the challenge I expected."
How did you find out?
"My manager at the time Glyn Binkin is the one who called me. There was an offer between Orlando Pirates and Sundowns.
"And being a Sundowns fan, I could never join Pirates and miss out on ticking my box."
Where did you meet?
"We met at Chloorkop, I think I was picked up by the club's driver at the airport and we drove to Chloorkop.
"I think I had signed the previous week. I think it was the week before the preseason started."
Who was there?
"Trott Moloto was there, Harris Choeu was there, I'm forgetting the third person."
What surprised you?
"Nothing. I had been around the block at that time, so I was pretty familiar with how business is done in football."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Oh yes, I always get what I want. If I don't I move on. I wanted to be remunerated for my value. I had a price value at the time, and they had to meet my target.
"They remunerated me with what I deserved, and it was enough."
Did you see out the contract?
"Initially it was a four-year contract, and I only stayed a year and a half, and then I moved on to join Roger de Sa at Bidvest Wits. But I enjoyed my little time at Sundowns.
"It's just that both parties didn't complement each other. What I was promised in those negotiations about the role I was playing didn't happen. And for me, there is no loyalty in this game. No club is going to be loyal to every single player they sign.
"Sundowns is not my father or mother. So, I had to leave to make myself happy and put my family first. That's what I do."
What you would change?
"I wouldn't change anything, there is no one moment of regret that I have. I do things with a clear conscious and I live with it. What needed to happen had to happen. And that's perfectly normal for me."