In the latest edition of Negotiating Behind the Scenes, James Mayinga explains how he came to sign for Mamelodi Sundowns at the age of 33.
Who I signed for?
"I was signed by Sundowns from Moroka Swallows. What we did was a swap deal with the Namibian international Sydney Plaatjies.
"He went across to Swallows and I went to Sundowns. In another deal Thuso Phala went from Kaizer Chiefs to Sundowns and Josta Dladla went to Naturena.
"Tim Sukazi, my agent by then, is the one who negotiated the deal. I was not aware I was on the Sundowns' radar until I was told I've been already sold to them.
"I never wanted to go to Sundowns. I played two seasons back-to-back at Swallows, I played week in and week out. It was 2011. I was 32, 33 somewhere there."
How did you find out?
"From the Sundowns players in the Bafana Bafana Chan squad. Tso Vilakazi, Derrick Spencer and Vuyo Mere are the ones who broke the news to me. They told me 'You will soon be our teammate'. Sundowns were coached by the late Henri Michel then."
Where did you meet?
"We negotiated the contract in Tim Sukazi's office in Sandton. We left the place around 3 am. President Patrice Motsepe was out of the country."
Who was there?
"Bab'uSimelane was there, I think he was one of the Sundowns board members, then CEO Yogesh Singh was there, Tim Sukazi, me and my younger brother."
What surprised you?
"The figures. They were something else. It was triple what I was getting at Swallows. It's a pity I won't tell you how much it was."
Did you see out the contract?
"Remember I signed straight two years plus option. The third year is the one I couldn't finish."I was at Sundowns for two and a half years."
What would you change?
"Nothing. I was satisfied by then, even with the signing-on fee. Sundowns negotiated in good faith. I was happy financially compared to all the teams that I played for.
"I was well looked after at Sundowns, I don't want to lie to you."