In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Grant Johnson reveals details of how his move to Orlando Pirates happened.
Who I signed for…
"I signed for Pirates in 1999."
How did you find out?
"I was already living in Johannesburg but still playing for Rangers. I had moved up for Business.
"I met the Rangers team at the airport, and on the way to the game Afzal Khan asked me if I would miss Rangers.
"I had no idea what he was talking about. He said, don't you know? We have sold you to Pirates. No one had spoken to me but apparently, they had already done the deal. I hadn't agreed on any terms but the deal had been done."
Where did you meet?
"A few weeks later, I got a call from the team manager at Pirates, Lawrence Ngubane requesting to meet. I met with him and told him I had no idea a deal has been done. He replied, don't worry my boy I will look after you."
Who was there?
"I've never had an agent, so I was happy to negotiate the terms myself. I gave him a figure that I wanted out clear, after tax. He agreed, 'No problem my boy.'
"I thought, wow that was easy, maybe I should have asked for more."
What surprised you?
"However, there are a few things I only found out later. For the first time in my career, there were no win or draw bonuses. I had just presumed there would be some type of bonus but there was nothing.
"My next surprise was when I got my first pay cheque. The figure I had asked for was correct except it was before tax and deductions. When I asked the manager, he said don't worry my boy I will sort it out. He never did."
Did you get what you wanted?
"With all the initial problems, the experience and enjoyment of playing for such a big club. Winning the BP Top 8 and the league in 2000 was worth more than any amount of money."
Did you see out the contract?
"I ended up leaving the club during my second season when SuperSport United approached me. Since Gordon left Pirates, I wasn't getting game time, and I wanted to play. That ended up being a good decision as 22 years later I'm still with SuperSport."
What you would change?
"I have been very fortunate in my coaching and playing career. There's nothing I would change. I have had the experience that money can't buy. I'm very grateful for my career in football."