Former Orlando Pirates footballer Bongani Cashibe has opened up about his humble beginnings in football, and the numbers will shock today’s stars.
Cashibe says his first professional paycheck came at Alexandra United in the early 2000s. And it was nowhere near the six-figure salaries players pocket today.
FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER BONGANI CASHIBE TALKS MONEY
“My first salary in football was at Alexandra United, where I earned R1,200,” Cashibe told Kick Off. “This was around the year 2000 or 2001. We were competing in the National First Division,” Cashibe added.
Although it was glamorous, Cashibe said the deal was enough for a young player starting out. “It was sufficient for me at the time. My toiletries only cost R300. I wasn’t sending any money home because my father was providing for the family.
Cashibe remembers that first payday like it was yesterday. Instead of fancy dinners, the celebrations were much simpler.
“That day at the clubhouse, it was cold drink after cold drink, along with lots of snacks. We didn’t cook that day. Since I never had a representative in the early stages of my career, I feel like I never earned what I truly deserved in my football career,” he said.
Asked to compare with today’s football landscape, the former Orlando Pirates tough-tackler didn’t hold back: “I’d be worth R300,000 a month. But knowing football, it really depends on who I’m playing for,” Cashibe concluded.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU IS BACK
Orlando Pirates fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is back on the training pitch.
The French-Moroccan coach, recovering from a serious car accident last month, was spotted today at training with his arm heavily strapped but his focus fully on the job at hand.
Saturday brings the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC, and Ouaddou is determined to have his Orlando Pirates team firing on all cylinders despite his recent setback.
As reported last week, Ouaddou and several staff members got injured in Gqeberha following the team’s 3-0 win over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The club’s statement had confirmed: “Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night.
“The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.
“Coach Ouaddou, along with the five affected staff members, were immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course.“
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Mbombela Stadium this Saturday as the MTN8 final kicks off at 18:00.
WILL THE BUCCANEERS LIFT A RECORD FOURTH MTN8 TITLE ON THE BOUNCE?
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