Kaizer Chiefs legend on why I chose Mamelodi Sundowns over Kaizer Chiefs.
Former Chiefs and Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has candidly discussed his departure from Naturena, revealing that Sundowns presented him with a blank cheque, allowing him to name his price. This shocking offer followed a complicated negotiation with Chiefs that left him feeling disrespected.
Baloyi joined Kaizer Chiefs as a teenager in 1991, making his first-team debut in 1993. He dedicated over a decade to the club, becoming a fan favourite before leaving in 2004. Many Chiefs fans speculated that his move was purely financially motivated, but Baloyi’s story tells a different tale.
Disrespect during contract negotiations
In an interview on Podcast And Chill with MacG, Baloyi revealed that after rejecting interests from overseas clubs like Liverpool and Copenhagen, he faced a lack of respect during contract renewal discussions. “What hurt me was ‘take it or leave it,” he expressed, illustrating the dismissive tone of the negotiations, as quoted by iDiski Times.
Baloyi described how he felt blindsided by the Chiefs’ offer, stating. “When I got home, I’m like are these guys serious?” He sought a direct conversation with the chairman, hoping for a more respectful dialogue regarding his contract.
The eye-opening meeting with the Chairman
During his meeting with the chairman, Baloyi received disappointing news. “We don’t have a budget from the board, what we are offering you that’s it.” This ultimatum echoed in his mind, further fueling his frustration. Baloyi noted that the chairman’s phrasing felt disrespectful, prompting him to consider his options carefully.
As Baloyi weighed his choices, his agent informed him that Sundowns had shown interest. At first, he resisted, but after discussing it with his family, he shifted his perspective. “For me, it’s about respect,” he explained, feeling undervalued at Chiefs.
When Sundowns approached him, they laid out a shocking proposal. “We know what you earn, but here’s a chequebook just write what you want.” Jose Ferreira, Sundowns’ General Manager, assured him, “We can double it or just write, then I’ll speak to the President.”
Using Sundowns as leverage
Initially sceptical, Baloyi realised the gravity of Sundowns’ offer. He began to leverage it during negotiations with Chiefs, insisting on a fairer salary. “I want R20 000 instead of R14 000, but I can back it up,” he stated, emphasising his status as a senior player and captain.
Despite his attempts to negotiate, Chiefs stood firm on their initial offer, reiterating their “take it or leave it” stance. Baloyi recounted, “It’s easy to make a decision” when faced with such disrespect.
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