In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, KickOff catches up with former Mamelodi Sundowns player Thokozani Mnguni on his start in professional football.
Who you signed for?
"I started out at Sundowns, I was from their juniors when I signed for the first team. That was in 1995."
How much was it?
"We were earning R500 per month. For each and every player from the development, the starting salary was R500. Plus, some of us were still in school back then."
How I celebrated?
"At the time, we were given a cheque at Sundowns. Winning bonuses would be paid in cash, though, depending on how many games you have played. Bonuses would be something like R800.
"I didn't have a bank account at the time, so I gave the cheque to my mom. I only opened an account after three months at People's Bank.
"I did celebrate though because as you know we only ate chicken on Sundays. I immediately gave the cheque to my mom and asked her to buy vegetables so we could have a 'Sunday Kos' midweek."
What I bought with it?
"Toni Braxton's CD titled Secrets. I bought it straight from Musica."
Did it last you the full month?
"It was just enough for me to go to school, but no it didn't last the full month. Remember, once you become a professional player you no longer want to buy at Pep store, you now looking for Gucci's instead.
"In most occasions Shoprite employees' salaries last longer than ours, a soccer player's money it easily runs out, it never last long."