In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, KickOff catches up with former Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns star Charles Motlohi.
Motlohi says his first salary was so small the Celtic management so no issues on paying him in the street next to an ATM.
Who did you sign for?
"I was at Bloemfontein Celtic. It was too little."
How much was it?
"R500. But I was still new in the game those days. I hadn't made a name for myself.
"We lived in a clubhouse we called Madala Hostel. It used to house the club's rookies.
"My salary was only enough for tin stuff those days, plus I was not good in the kitchen. That was in 1996."
How do I celebrate?
"I couldn't (laughs). Imagine being made to queue and being paid your salaries in the street next to an ATM.
"That time people are watching us receiving our salaries."
What did I buy with it?
"I sent R200 to my mother. Remember at home I'm alone and no one else was taking care of my mother.
"So every cent I received I use to send home. I had an uncle who was based in Bloemfontein. He'd buy clothes for me.
"R200 was enough for my mother, I had to buy tin stuff with the remaining R300 and have them with bread. That's the only food I could afford.
"My girlfriend used to live in Welkom. She would come visit me in Bloemfontein. I'm talking about the mother of my children now. She would come with taxis and leave on Sundays. I'd be very excited because now I was going to eat a proper meal cooked by my girlfriend."
Did it last you the full month?
"Never. It would be finished before the 15th of every month. Luckily I had an uncle who used to take care of my other needs."