In this edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, Sifiso Myeni reveals how Orlando Pirates snatched him amid hot interest from both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 36-year-old recently announced his retirement from professional football as he looks to help develop up-and-coming youngsters in his neighborhood.
Who did you sign for?
"Orlando Pirates, in January 2012. That was my biggest highlight. How it happened is what shocks me the most because I didn't think it could happen in that manner.
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"I think I had six months left on my contract with Bidvest Wits. I got injured on my last day with them. I went for an operation, but Pirates still signed me while I was on my crutches. They signed me even though I had 'one leg'. That was the highlight of my 12-year football career."
How did you find out?
"While I was still in the hospital recovering from the operation, I got a call from Xolani Nhleko, who worked for my then agent, Mike Makaab, at the time. Nhleko was the first person to inform me."
Where did you meet with Pirates?
"Before we even met, I got another call from Mamelodi Sundowns. We met at their offices. And then Kaizer Chiefs also showed interest.
"While still thinking about Chiefs and Sundowns, I received one call that changed everything, it was from Dr. Irvin Khoza. It was a private number, I almost ignored his call.
"I remember telling him: 'Ungazodlala ngami ngimdala kanje, why would Irvin Khoza phone someone like me? Who am I?' Not knowing it was him [laughs[. I only believed it was him when he called me for the second time.
"I then went to meet him in their offices, and that's where the deal was signed, and as they say, the rest is history. I went to the press conference with a cast on my leg."
Who was there?
"It was me, my agent Mike Makaab, and another guy. What a privilege!"
What surprised you?
"Dr. Khoza asked me which jersey number I would like to wear. [I said] Teko Modise's jersey number 11. That's the jersey number that made Sifiso Myeni at Wits."
Did you get what you wanted?
"There were no negotiations. I just told them: 'This is what I want', and they agreed to everything. There was no back-and-forth, everything was just straightforward. The club fulfilled everything I had asked for."
Did you see out the contract?
"Yes, I signed for three years plus [an] option and stayed the whole three years there. They even triggered the option."
What would you change?
"Nothing. I'm happy with what I got from my deal. I left the club in a good way, and we are still on good terms. Dr. Khoza didn't want me to leave, he wanted me to be the legend of Pirates. That's what he told me. But he explained to me that he didn't want to make the decisions for other people [coaches].
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"There are players I found at Pirates who never even had a chance to speak to Dr. Irvin Khoza even once. So, I feel honoured."
What's next for Myeni?
"Go back to where it started. I want to help youngsters at the grassroots level whom I want to see reaching the same level I reached."