In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, former Orlando Pirates defender Tonic Chabalala reveals his biggest regret in his negotiations with the "Iron Duke".
The 44-year-old former centre-back will always be remembered for being the main reason Collins Mbesuma was not able to score even a single against the Buccaneers while playing for Kaizer Chiefs.
Who I signed for?
"Orlando Pirates in 2004, I was coming from Dynamos."
How did you find out?
"When the Dynamos owner Pat Malabela announced during one of our training sessions that 'this guy will be joining Orlando Pirates', he was talking about me of course. I had other offers from the likes of Jomo Cosmos and Golden Arrows.
"He had already concluded everything with Stan Tshabalala at Pirates."
Where did you meet?
"I remember us arriving in Parktown, and Pirates paid Pat what was due to him, and he immediately left.
"I remained behind with Dr. Khoza in his office. There were only two of us. Back then I had no clue when it came to the negotiations. The presence of Dr. Khoza intimidated me a lot that day. I kept asking myself, is this me talking face-to-face with the Great Irvin Khoza?
"I couldn't speak IsiZulu I couldn't speak English...it was tough. I had to agree to everything he was proposing. My body was shaking that day my brother.
"He asked me how much I earned at Dynamos and what I was expecting to earn at Pirates. The way I was so intimidated by the chairman I couldn't come up with figures (laughs).
"After we had finished signing the contract he said to me, listen, my boy, this is a big team you don't just come here and have it easy, so for now just go home and work on yourself, slaughter an animal to appease your ancestors. Go and protect yourself."
What surprised you?
"The salary was too big compared to the one I used to get at Dynamos. It was four times bigger than my salary at Dynamos."
Did you get what you wanted?
"I can't say there were negotiations as such, it seems Pat Malabela had already agreed to everything. I was just happy to get a better salary."
Did you see out the contract?
"Yes, I did. The funny part is that I didn't bother reading the contract. I just signed up for three years. I was just excited for finally becoming an Orlando Pirates player."
What you would change?
"I'd relax more during the negotiations, and I'd ask for R200 000 a month. That's what I believe Pirates should have paid me."