In this edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, KickOff catches up with former SuperSport United defender Japie Motale.
Motale shares the story of how he left Mamelodi Sundowns for SuperSport United in 1996.
How did you find out SuperSport United was interested?
"I received a call from the late Thomas Madigage. He informed me that then SuperSport United coach Terry Paine was interested in me.
"What happened is that in 1995, while I was still at Sundowns, I went for trials at Manchester United in England. Since it was off-season, Terry Paine, who is from England, was visiting the Manchester United Academy at the same time.
"After the trial, he found out I had returned to South Africa. He told Thomas, 'There is this boy I want for SuperSport, but at the Man United Academy, they informed me he belongs to Sundowns.'"
Where did you meet?
"At the SuperSport United offices in Randburg. That's where the deal was sealed."
Who was there?
"It was me, my brother Eddie, Terry Paine, Thomas Madigage, and the CEO, Imtiaz Patel. I was just 16 years old. At the time at Sundowns, I was competing with the late Sizwe Motaung and Themba Mnguni."
What surprised you?
"Being a youngster, I had no idea there was such a thing as a signing-on fee. That really surprised me."
Did you get what you wanted?
"Yes, I did. SuperSport has always been professional in everything they do. You will never find a SuperSport player complaining about not receiving a salary."
Did you see out your contract?
"Yes. I initially signed for two years, but I ended up staying for eight years."
What would you change?
"I would put a clause in my contract stating that the team should arrange for me to go to Europe for trials once a year. With Terry Paine coaching me, who is from England, I think that wouldn't have been a problem."