In this edition of My First Paycheque, KickOff catches up with former Black Leopards goalkeeper Joel Masutha on earning just R100 with his first salary.
Masutha revealed details of his start as a professional footabller at the Limpopo club when they were campaigning in the National First Division.
Who did you sign for?
"My first payment was with Black Leopards in 1996, in the first division.
"But my first real salary came at Black Leopards also, in the 2000/01 season, that was in the PSL."
How much was it?
"In 1996, I was earning R100. Those days, we used to sign a registration form only.
"The rest was a uniform, we were all getting an R100 payment, but still, it was called a salary.
How did I celebrate?
"The money came straight from the gate takings, so we couldn't celebrate because it's not like we had to wait for month end to receive it.
"It also depended on how many people came to watch the game.
What did I buy with it?
"I bought 5Kg of Braaipack (Chicken mixed portions), went to China City and bought clothes for the children.
"Remember, this side in Limpopo, we don't buy maize meal because we do farming, so we just buy chicken meat.
"Those days, the 5 kg of chicken mixed portions cost R37. After buying that chicken and clothes with that R100 salary, I'd remain with R30.
"It was a lot those days, R100."
Did it last you the full month?
"I'd say yes because we would be given transport money after every training session because the club had no clubhouse back then.
"The transport money was R10. A bus ride used to cost R4.50.
"Back then, girlfriends did not care about how much you earned. They just wanted to date a soccer player (laughs)."