In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, KickOff manages to pin down the sometimes elusive Erwin Isaacs, best remembered for his stint with Santos, as he reveals the influential role played by his mother in the early days of his career.
The retired midfielder reveals how he spent his first-ever football salary following his debut in professional football.
Who did you sign for?
"Hey, broer, my first pay cheque was by Santos FC. That was way back around the [earlier] 2000s.
"I can remember I was still at school, I was in Grade 11 when I signed my first professional contract.
"Those days, it was a lot of money. With R10, you could go to a shop and buy a lot, man."
How much was it?
"It was a PSL contract, so my first take was R2 500. I don't wanna lie. You can ask my mother.
"Those days, it was a lot because my mother could give me pocket money. Because I was underage they used to pay my money into her bank account.
"She would give me R500 pocket money, and also buy me R200 toiletries for the whole month.
"Yho, now even R100 can't buy you toiletries!"
How did you celebrate?
"I wasn't a guy who would go out for some coffee at some restaurants. I was more indoors with the other kids or playing in the Sunday League.
"I never used to go out to drink or party; it was never my lifestyle. My focus was [on] getting in the starting XI in the PSL and it was very difficult for me."
What did you buy with it?
"First of all, I bought myself a colour-screen Nokia phone. I bought a pair of Nike shoes and jeans. That time, it was still Billabong... it was a big-name brand.
"Billabong was nice clothes that time, but nowadays they don't wear that stuff mos. I bought a Billabong T-shirt and sweater and a Billabong top. I also added some Levi jeans on top."
Did it last you the whole month?
"Yeah, I'm telling you, R500 lasted me the whole month [laughs]. They used to pick us up to and from training with the team transport and I was staying by my mother. I would put R200 away every month, and in December, I'd buy myself a PlayStation."