In our feature, My First Pay Cheque, KickOff catches up with Orlando Pirates' legendary goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo on his first salary as a professional footballer.
Who you signed for...
"I signed for Orlando Pirates in 1988 straight from my Kasi's amateur club here in Springs. I was 20 years old when Pirates recruited me in the township."
How much was it?
"I don't even remember the exact amount. It was a long time ago. But I think it was somewhere around R3 000.
"We were paid in cheques those days. You had to cash it first."
How was I celebrated?
"During our time...maybe because I was different, I never played football for money, especially during those times.
"Even after winning the cup finals, I didn't set a figure of how much I wanted from the club.
"I was happy with everything. Like I'm saying I was from playing Kasi football and I was 20 years.
"I was just happy to play for a big team. And remember I was not from the lower divisions, So I had no single debt under my name.
"Today boys who are playing in the ABC Motsepe League are drowning in debt. They already have accounts...remember they are now getting salaries at amateur levels because it was not properly explained who is the professional and who is the amateur.
"Today everybody playing in the ABC Motsepe League is getting a salary so what is that is going to push the player to get to the professional level?
"And they don't even have contracts, but they get paid."
What I bought with it?
"That year I bought a lot of furniture, the whole year I bought things like dining room suites, wardrobes, new beds...remember those days we worked for our homes. I was a young boy those days.
"But nowadays times have changed, and you can't blame today's players."
Did it last you the full month?
"Remember I have never touched alcohol my whole life, I'm not drinking even today.
"I used to save the little that I've got. I'm sure I bought my first car at Vaal Professionals.
"I didn't have time for peer pressure the club paid someone to transport me to and from training.
"Even my former teammates at Pirates will tell you that immediately after training sessions I'd jump into a car and go home in Springs.
"There's a huge difference between a player who grew up in a football academy and a player who was raised by his parents when it comes to being responsible.
"It's easy for the one from academy to buy a car and all the fancy stuff while his parents' fridge is empty."