In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach reveals how he spent his first-ever football salary.
Niemach, a footballer turned politician, began his football career at then-Durban-based club D' Alberton Callies where he received his first pay cheque.
Who you signed for?
"My first pay cheque was at D'Alberton Callies in the second division. I was 16 and I'm 52 this year."
How much was it?
"R300 a week. It was a lot of money for me. I was in Standard 9. To receive that money for me it was the most remarkable thing.
"Even though it was a little bit of money, I felt like I was worth something. Those days I could play football for free."
How did I celebrate?
"I had to put it down, my mother wanted a washing machine. So I bought a washing machine for my mother.
"For myself I bought nothing, I'd get free clothes from the club.
"The people who owned D'Alberton Callies used to own a clothing manufacturing company, so I used to get free stuff from them.
"I'd give my mother the salary to make her proud also, because she was always fighting, 'hey leave this football thing and go and study, I want you to become a lawyer or something'."
Did it last you the full month?
"Yes of course, because I was young I could buy whatever I needed. And I had to catch a bus because I didn't have a car."