In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, KickOff catches up with former Orlando Pirates development side goalkeeper Thulani Khuzwayo.
The KwaNongoma-born goalkeeper shares with KickOff readers how he spent his first pay cheque in football.
At which club did you get your first pay cheque in football?
"At Orlando Pirates feeder team Yebo Yes FC. That was in 2006. We were playing in the ABC Motsepe League. It was after a select squad from Kwa Nongoma played a friendly game with the Pirates first team. I guess they liked what they saw in me that day."
How much was it?
"It was more of money for cosmetics and stuff, so we were paid R2500 a month."
How did you celebrate your first pay cheque?
"I remember sending a R1 500 at home and I remained with a thousand rand. Food used to be provided in the academy.
"I took R50 from the R1000 and went to buy chicken and chips at Gallito's in Mayfair with my friends."
Which item did you buy with your first pay cheque?
"I bought a Tom Tom Lacoste shoes. I remember I bought it at Carlton Centre. Things were cheaper those days those shoes they cost me only R899. Luckily I had enough clothes as a youngster."
The remaining R50, Did it last you the whole month?
"It did actually. For snacks me and my teammates we used to contribute money, we were being fed at the clubhouse, and Adidas was giving us free clothes, so I didn't struggle at all."
If you could do it again?
"I wouldn't change anything. Again I'd agree to the R2500. I never ran short of anything. I was a youngster I didn't have too many needs."
Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
