In this week's edition of My First Pay Cheque, ex-Kaizer Chiefs striker Thembinkosi Biyela shares details about his first income in professional football.
Biyela reflects on a time when player agents did not exist in South African football, which was quite different from today.
He recalls how club owners would often mislead unsuspecting players about their earnings, making them believe they would receive substantial amounts without disclosing deductions.
Who did you sign for?
"I received my first salary in professional football at Giant Blackpool in 1989, coming from a team called Zola Young Stars. I can still remember the excitement."
How much was it?
"R600. It was a significant amount back then, especially since we were paid in old two-rand notes. The envelope would appear quite thick, only for me to find that R600 was made up entirely of two-rand notes. Remember, the Blackpool chairman, Coloured Passmore, was also a taxi owner, so we were paid with what commuters used for taxi fares. A taxi ride cost two rands in those days.
"I was 19 years old at the time and was in my matric year. I became an instant hit at school, earning so many two-rand notes as a student."
How did you celebrate?
"During break time at school, I spoiled my friends with snacks like Spykos, chips, russians, amagwinya, bread, atchaar, and cold drinks. There was a shop selling delicious fish that I can't forget. I spent about R120 on all that food for eight of us."
And to treat yourself, what did you buy?
"Two pairs of sneakers; one pair of Lacoste and another pair of All Stars."
Did that last you the whole month?
"Never! It was all gone in two weeks. That taught me a valuable lesson about budgeting.
"Fortunately, I didn't have to worry about a girlfriend allowance since I had no girlfriend back then. I only started dating later on, and I didn't drink during that time.
"If I were still playing today, I would ask for R400,000 a month. I feel like we were robbed we were never told about the deductions, you were made to believe you were going to get gross income."