In this edition of Where Are They Now, KickOff catches up with former SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows player Rufus Mokoti, who is known for his smaller stature.
Knee injuries cut his football career short while he was playing for Winners Park in the National First Division.
How do you remember your playing days?
"I feel I didn't reach my full potential due to the numerous injuries that hampered my progress. Having spent four years at the School of Excellence, I believe I was shortchanged.
"But I'm not complaining because it taught me a different perspective on life. It made me think about life after football because a lot can happen. It's important to educate yourself. God had other plans for me."
Did you make money from soccer?
"It was okay. I remember buying my first car after signing my first contract with SuperSport United, and I owned a house, but I sold it. The rand had value back then; a loaf of bread was still two rand. I was living within the means of my salary.
"When I joined SuperSport, John Moeti was earning R30,000 a month and he was the highest-paid player at the club. Back then, that was equivalent to R100,000."
Where are you living currently?
"I'm in retail, and I'm currently being transferred to Nelspruit, but I have a house in Hammanskraal. I have a wife and two kids there."
What jobs have you taken since playing the game?
"I have only worked in retail. I started by making kitchen units, but I was more focused on the marketing side and had people working under me. After that, I worked as a casual employee at Skipper Bar."
What is your current job?
"I've been in retail for fifteen years now, and I'm an area manager overseeing all the Skipper Bar shops in Mpumalanga province. I've been in this position for two years."
If you could do it again, what would you change?
"I could have done more in terms of training and discipline. I should have respected the game more and given it my full attention."