In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, former Moroka Swallows head coach Zeca Marques reveals his first salary at the club.
Marques is against the idea of having footballers earn more than a coach, as it sometimes makes players lose focus and discipline.
Who did you sign for?
"It was for Moroka Swallows, of course, in 1999, under Mr. David Chabeli, that was my first pay cheque.
"It was the beginning of a journey; it was something I was working on for a while, so when Chabeli gave me this opportunity. I thought, this is it, this is a big time, and football was different in those days you know, I would say it was semi-professional.
"We used to train in the afternoon, and some players we had their salaries weren't big; they could only get what the club could afford, you know. We were fortunate to get a good sponsor, but it is different times from now, completely different.
"What happened was, I was an assistant to then head coach Walter Da Silva at Swallows, me and Pio Nogueira. And when they left, Mr. Chabeli asked me to carry on as the head coach. So that's how it started."
How much was it?
"It was R20 000. It was a lot of money. Remember we talking 20 years ago."
How did you celebrate it?
"The pressure of being a head coach didn't allow me to celebrate. I was already thinking about pre-season planning, and I was excited. You celebrate the wins as the season goes on."
What did you buy with it?
"Nah, it went straight to the bank account, paid bills, I have never been one of those who worry about materialistic things.
"I was already married, and I was in my thirties. I didn't have kids. I was about 30 or 31 years old."
Did it last you the whole month though?
"Those days, it was big money, so yes, it did last. You could buy a house with R75 000.
"Nowadays, I hear some players are earning more than their coaches, and technically, I don't think that is right.
"I don't think in South Africa we have that culture where a club signs a player, and the supporters buy his jersey; I'm talking about a player's image rights."