In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach reveals how he regrets not having joined the club earlier.
Who I signed for...
"Kaizer Chiefs. It was nothing malicious, I was looking for a change from Mamelodi Sundowns. I was looking for a way to get out of the situation because I found myself stuck at Sundowns. I had to create an opportunity for myself to play regularly. When Paul Dolezar came in at Sundowns I wasn't in his favour. I went to Moroka Swallows on loan, that time Chiefs had already contacted me behind the scenes. But I couldn't come direct from Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs. But because I knew the owner of Manning Rangers, I said to him listen man help me out let me be with your team for two weeks, and after that, I will be with Chiefs."
How did you find out?
"Somebody from Chiefs phoned me. I won't say who, but I said sure no problem. Everything was telephonic."
Where did you meet?
"I had to go there at Chiefs [Naturena]. I arrived Friday morning, I signed the contract Friday morning, I trained on a Friday, on Saturday I went to play at FNB Stadium 120 000 people, and I scored against Orlando Pirates."
Who was there?
"I can't say. Everybody from management was there. They are my friends I can't put them on the spot."
What surprised you?
"Nothing surprised me. Why must it surprise me, I could do the job. I met with the coach and that was that. After that, we went to win many cups. After 10 years they hadn't won anything. After I came, they started winning cups."
Did you get what you wanted?
"The money was okay; I won't say it was good. Now the money is good. We earned peanuts. Players in my days were being fed a steady diet of propaganda. So how can you expect a player to put something away for his future? You can't. You faked it until you make it. I just wanted to enjoy the last few years of my career."
Did you see out the contract?
"I signed a two year-contract with Chiefs. But I broke my foot in pre-season training. I don't know if it was in Botswana or somewhere. That was a problem. I was out for like three months. The contract ended but I had an option for another year which both parties decided not to continue with. I then decided to go work on television. Because of the injury I could not cope with the pain, the pain on my foot it was too much."
What you would change...
"I'd probably have gone there earlier because I think I would have accomplished more. I liked the fact that I was a senior, and youngsters like Jabu Pule benefitted from my experience. Skaapie Malatsi benefitted from the things that I taught there. Even Stanton Fredericks also benefitted. I really appreciate my time at Kaizer Chiefs, I appreciate the fans. Maybe it's a good time to say thank you so much for your support because when I played there the Stadium was always full."