In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, Kaizer Chiefs legend Albert Bwalya reflects on his career-defining move to the Soweto giants.
Who I signed for
"I remember very well, it was 1988 when I joined Kaizer Chiefs. Though I can't remember the month. I was in Swaziland when Chiefs signed me from Mhlambanyatsi Rovers, who had signed me from a Zambian team Kabwe Warriors."
How did you find out?
"From the late Mr Shezi. He is the one who spotted me. He was from Swaziland; he was serving as a Kaizer Chiefs agent or scout in Swaziland."
Where did you meet?
"Mr. Shezi he was the one who did everything on Kaizer Chiefs' behalf in Swaziland."
Who was there?
"It was just me and Mr. Shezi."
What surprised you?
"To be honest I can't even remember. But I know the offer was like peanuts."
Did you get what you wanted?
"I got what I wanted. That's what is important, we agreed, and I got what I wanted."
Did you see out the contract?
"It was two years. I didn't finish my contract, I went to Wits University FC on loan.
"I think that was in 1989 or 1990. Then I came back to Chiefs again in 1992. It was between me and the coach, he is the one who could tell you why I was loaned out, but he is no more. It was be Jeff Butler."
What you would change?
"That time when you went out on loan, they still called you back whenever it suited them. There are no negotiations.
"Maybe these days when players go out on loan, when they come back they negotiate for better salaries.
"But there's no one who can be happy about how his career ended because I was kicked on the knee, and that's how it ended."