In this edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, Timothy 'RDP' Nkosi returns for the second time to share one of his powerful football stories with KickOff readers.
Who did you sign with?
"I signed for Umtata Bucks, and my time there was a bit challenging. I joined as a free agent from Pretoria City FC in 1992.
"I was part of the Bucks team that played in the 1993 Coca-Cola Final. I didn't play that day because I was sick, but I did receive a Coca-Cola Cup medal."
How did you find out Umtata Bucks were interested?
"After I became a free agent, I asked the Bucks goalkeeper, Innocent Mayoyo, to help me find a job there. After consulting with management, Mayoyo told me not to worry and just to come down to the Eastern Cape. The coach at the time was the late Biswell Phiri."
Where did you meet for the negotiations?
"I flew down to Mthatha."
Who was there?
"I met Sturu Pasiya, the chairman, at the club's offices. He welcomed me to Mthatha and assured me they believed I could help the team."
What surprised you?
"The amount of money I wanted—they didn't hesitate, they just agreed to my demands."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Yes, because initially, I thought that as a rural club, Umtata Bucks would complain about money. But to my surprise they didn't."
What would you change?
"I regret not having an agent, someone who could negotiate on my behalf. I also regret not joining Kaizer Chiefs when they approached me.
"Every time I watch former Chiefs players being invited to the club's functions, there's that little voice that keeps saying, 'That could be me.' It feels like I was meant to be there.
"I had a fear of undermining myself and being intimidated by the Johannesburg players at Chiefs. For someone from Mamelodi like me, that was difficult.
"I looked at their midfield and couldn't envision myself playing ahead of Lifa Gqosha, Doctor Khumalo, Marcus Mphafudi, Thabo Mooki, and the late Shakes Kungwane.
"After my teammate at Real Rovers, Gerald Raphahlela, told me, 'Oh no, you are going there? You are going to sit on the bench, there's no place for you there, that team is owned by the boys from Jozi,' that's when I decided to turn down the Chiefs offer. They even sent Doctor Khumalo to convince me, but I stood my ground and said no—a decision I still regret to this day."