In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, KickOff sits down with former Jomo Cosmos player Innocent Ntsume.
Natsume reveals how he turned down big offers from the big three of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns to stay at Cosmos.
Who I signed for?
"I signed for Jomo Cosmos in 1998. I was spotted in the Godfrey Moloi Festive Games. I was playing for Mapetla Barcelona. Back then, I was still playing as a winger."
How did you find out?
"Before I went to Cosmos, I was approached by Augusto Palacios, he invited me to Orlando Pirates to join the squad that had the likes of '(Benedict) Tso' Vilakazi and (Joseph) 'Duku-Duku' Makhanya.
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"But Jomo Sono hijacked me before I even went to the Pirates training session. Those days, Cosmos had good players and there was even that perception that I might end up overseas. That's how I ended up at Cosmos."
Where did you meet?
"I only signed a professional contract after a year. We were at the Cosmos office."
Who was there?
"Back then, we didn't have agents. it was just me and Jomo and club manager, Mr (Ndukuza) Majola."
What surprised you?
"Nothing. I was just excited I was now signing for a professional club."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Only after two seasons. I was from the development side, I only received my first salary after two seasons, and it was R6 800."
Did you see out the contract?
"Yes. I signed for two years, I renewed it after it expired."
What you would change?
"Before I even renewed with Cosmos, there were teams that were looking to sign me.
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"Kaizer Chiefs were interested, Mamelodi Sundowns were interested, so if I could change anything, I wouldn't hesitate to move to those teams."