Ndlanya: Read the fine print

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya (right) says players need to carefully analyse the terms of their contracts to avoided being exploited.

Ndlanya’s advice comes weeks after a report surfaced that young Amakhosi goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma is earing R5 000 a month as their third-choice goalkeeper behind Brilliant Khuzwayo and Itumeleng Khune. The contrast is stark with Khune, who is said to be earning R5 million annually.

Ndlanya played for Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu during his professional career that stretched from 1990 to 2002, making 29 appearance for Bafana, with five goals to his name.

The Daveyton-born goalpoacher believes the excitement of playing in the senior team clouds a player’s judgment when discussing the terms of their contract.

“I don’t know how these guys negotiate with the clubs or the management. It is difficult to tell the club that you want an agent especially if you have been promoted to the first team from the development sides, you were a young boy playing for them, now you want a representative. It is easy for them to sideline you, once upon a time you spoke to them directly, suddenly you want a representative,” said the former Bursaspor man.

“I would advise the players to get into the first team, make a name for yourself, then demand a good salary and get yourself an agent.”

The retired forward has called on Premier Soccer League to intervene in the salary debacle to protect the current generation of players from repeating mistakes made by players from his time.

“The PSL needs to have a standard or basic wage for players that are in the first team of each team in the Absa Premiership, but if that is not happening, the players need to negotiate better. Some don’t understand the contracts they agree to. The PSL and Safa need to come on board and set a basic salary for players.”