In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, KickOff catches up with former Mamelodi Sundowns and Manning Rangers midfield cog Sipho "Mfundisi" Ndzuzo.
Ndzuzo reveals how his first football salary helped turn around the situation in his family that depended on his mother's salary.
Who did you sign for?
"I received my first pay cheque at Umtata Bush Bucks, that was in 1994.
"I had to travel 400 kilometers from Gqeberha to attend trials in Umthatha. I had to compete with 500 aspiring young players."
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How much was it?
"My first pay cheque was R1 200. That, to me, was a lot of money because I had never worked before.
"Looking at the fact that I was raised by a single parent who was a domestic worker, and also a street vendor, that R1 200 was a lot. My mother had never earned that much in her life.
"When I signed for Bush Bucks, I had already passed my matric, and my mother couldn't take me to University. So, I used that money to study for my first degree in BA in Education."
How did I celebrate?
"I don't drink and smoke, so there was nothing much I could do in Mthatha. It was just a matter of a braai with my teammates, plus I was staying at the clubhouse."
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What did I buy with it?
"I remember opening a clothing account at Truworths. Most of the money I sent home to my mom.
"I didn't have a car at the time, so I was only paying the clothing account."
Did it last you the full month?
"As I have mentioned, it was a lot for me at that time, it would even spread to the next month."
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