In this edition of My First Pay Cheque, former Stellenbosch FC right-winger Leletu Skelem explains why he had to use a bicycle to attend training sessions.
Skelem whose first salary in football came at Stellenbosch, reveals how he spent it.
Who you signed for?
"I had signed with Stellenbosch in 2019. I was from Maties, the University of Stellenbosch."
How much was it?
"It was not much. It was just reasonable. How much? Well, that's something I cannot reveal. I think it's personal (laughs)."
How do I celebrated?
"I renovated both my homes. Both my parents are still alive. I renovated the one in Cape Town where my parents stay because of work, and also the other home in the Eastern Cape where my parents were born.
"It was not a lot, it was just enough. I can say the celebration only took place in the Eastern Cape where the house could not be finished for quite some time.
"I had to buy three sheep and also liquor for the elders. I did all that with my first pay cheque."
What did I buy with it?
"Nothing big. Because I knew where I came from. For myself I only bought clothes."
Did it last you the full month?
"It didn't last. I had to use all of it at once. I had to go back to work with nothing in my pockets. I had to go all out.
"I had to ask the team to get me a bicycle so I could be able to travel to training.
"I could not afford a taxi, I had used up all my salary. I was too ashamed to ask for a loan or something, I was scared the management was going to ask me what did I do with my salary.
"So I'd ride the bicycle from Kasie to Stellenbosch. There was nothing else I could do. The bicycle warmth my muscles nicely for training."