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My First Paycheque: Steve Lekoelea

This edition of My First Paycheque KickOff catches up with Orlando Pirates legend Steve "Chippa" Lekoelea, who reveals how he spent his first football salary.

The former right-winger also played for the likes of Maritzburg United, Platinum Stars and Mbabane Highlanders.

Who you signed for?

"Moroka Swallows in 1994. I still remember it came in the form of a First National Bank cheque."

How much was it?

"It was something around R940. I remember the late Swallows owner fined me R500 and I was left with R440.

"He said it was because I didn't travel with the team to Cape Town to face Hellenic. He told me he was being lenient because he was supposed to take my whole pay."

How do I celebrate?

"It was too little. I couldn't do anything to celebrate my achievements. I could not even save some in that month.

"At the time I was not even touching alcohol."

What did you buy with it?

"Clothes. I bought these "Mandela Shirts" in Jozi. They were the in-thing back then.

"I also bought a pair of blue All Stars takkies and a pair of jeans."

Did it last you the full month?

"It didn't last even two weeks. There was a Swallows bus that used to collect us for training sessions. 

"That bus would collect me at my home and bring me back after training.

"I think that helped a lot because my first paycheque was too little."

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