In this edition of Negotiating Behind The Scenes, Steve Lekoelea discusses the factors that led to his decision to leave Orlando Pirates for Maritzburg United.
It became major news in South Africa when reports surfaced that Lekoelea demanded a R1 million signing-on fee before considering extending his stay with the Soweto giants.
Reflecting on his departure from Pirates, he admits it is a decision he still regrets today.
Tell us about your move to Maritzburg United:
"The fact that Maritzburg was a small team and I was a big player joining from a major team like Orlando Pirates made it one of the most talked-about incidents in 2005."
How did you find out Maritzburg were interested?
"Former Pirates team manager Lawrence Ngubane, who was now working for Maritzburg, convinced me to join them. Additionally, Pirates didn't want me to join any other team except Maritzburg United, even though I was a free agent.
"I didn't want to leave Pirates; I loved the club. However, it is tough when you are consistently performing well, but your salary doesn't reflect your contributions. You are forced to seek a better-paying opportunity."
Where did you meet?
"We met in a hotel in Durban. It was me, my agent, Lawrence Ngubane, and the Maritzburg chairman, Farook Kadodia. I was paid my signing-on fee right there at the hotel.
"My signing-on fee was R250,000, of which R130,000 was paid in cash, and R120,000 was transferred to my bank account with the arrangement for it to be paid the following season."
What surprised you?
"It was the first time I received such a significant signing-on fee in my career."
So, you didn't receive the R1 million you were reported to have demanded at Pirates?
"Who could pay that in South Africa in 2005? The only time I saw a R1 million was on a TV game show. I had never seen that amount in person. So that was not true.
"Maritzburg gave me R250,000. I never asked Pirates for R1 million. No club could even afford a R300,000 signing-on fee back then. I asked Pirates for R200,000, not a million. Even the salary I was getting was too low."
Did you complete your contract with Maritzburg United?
"I signed a two-year contract but only stayed for 14 months. The highest-paid player often bears the blame when the team is not performing, so the contract was eventually terminated."
What would you change?
"I wish I had stayed at Orlando Pirates instead of leaving, even with the lower signing-on fee and salary they were offering."