In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, former Maritzburg United, Vasco Da Gama, and Jomo Cosmos winger Devon Saal shares his experience of receiving his first football salary.
At just 32 years old, Saal is still actively playing for Hanover Park FC.
Which club did you sign with when you received your first pay cheque?
"It was at Milano when they were still competing in the National First Division. I think it was during the 2011/2012 season.
READ: Pirates record holder wants Rulani
"I was excited, but when I saw the amount, I was disappointed."
How much was it?
"It was R7 500."
But that was a lot for a 19-year-old back then, wasn't it?
"Not for a professional footballer. I believe players should earn more. I believe a basic salary for a First Division player should be around R25 000 to R30 000. When I tried negotiating a better deal, I was told that R7 500 was the right amount for a 19-year-old [laughs].
"They said to me, 'You are 19 years old; you can't be earning too much, buddy'."
And you finally understood?
"No, I didn't. I just accepted it because I wanted to break into professional football."
How did you celebrate your first salary?
"I didn't celebrate, I gave it to my mother. I did that with all my salaries, and she would give me pocket money in return."
What did you buy for yourself?
"From my first salary, my share was only R1 500. I bought myself a pair of Nike Airforce sneakers that cost R1 400. I was left with R100, which I used to pay for petrol for the guy who drove me to the shop to buy the sneakers."
Did the first pay cheque last you the whole month?
"No, it was spent quickly. Luckily, mothers are always different. Unlike fathers who rule with an iron fist, my mother would always give me a little something extra just to have some money in my pocket.
READ: Pirates players to empty tank for Riveiro?
"That's how my life was at first. My first contract lasted about two seasons."
