May Mahlangu was on the cusp of sealing a sensational switch to the PSL had it not been for a last-minute U-turn, this week's Big Money Agent Kgori Mokoro, tells the Siya crew. He also highlights an Orlando Pirates dribbling wizard as a player he would love to manage and much more.
Why I am in player management:
I got into player management after seeing players give up due lack of assistance and at that time no one was scouting kasi football as they are doing now. So, I started spotting good players and invited them to come train with me to challenge big teams and I told them that, "this is your assessment' so push as much as you can. My love for the game also helped me to push players.
What I look for in a player:
Well, the good thing about me was to also to get myself a SAFA D-license coaching to familiarize myself with the game and know what modern coaches want. So, skill is what I look for and what you do when you have and don't have the ball. I will profile a player so much that when I am done and happy, I will know which coach will play him, sometimes I get it wrong though haha. All I want is a player who is hungry and professional because honestly our country has cream when you talk about talent and skill, they only lack professionalism which I think a study must be done by SAFA or the PSL.
A deal that Almost happened but didn't:
Eish! Hahaha... Tokelo Rantie to SuperSport United was almost done before he went to Cape Town City, but he had a problem with an assistant coach and vice versa so it was not going to be healthy as he told me. Then May Mahlangu to Cape Town City, it was just a matter of timing from our side and Mr [John] Comitis was keen to have the player but May wanted one more year overseas.
Your most difficult transfer:
Tokelo Rantie from Cape Town City to Mamelodi Sundowns. It was difficult to get his clearance from Cape Town City due to a clause is the contract that he (Tokelo) signed, but John being the gentleman that he is, he eventually sent a clearance with 15 minutes left before the close of window period, hahaha...
Your biggest regret in player management:
I honestly don't have regrets, this job has challenges, and they make us grow and learn about players, coaches, team managers and football Clubs. Whether we like it or not we have to work together, the game needs us all.
Weirdest request you have ever received from a player/coach:
A player once asked me to come to his house and take his girlfriend because his wife is on her way, it was 12 midnight mind you hahaha... A coach once said, "I can sign him, but you must also buy me cold drink man." I laughed, and he had a serious face still and said, "make it cash please," then walked away.
Player I wish I had managed:
Ntsako Neverdie Makubela. This boy is magic, I love the way he plays, I like his confidence and he is also brave. I once had a chat with him, and he turned me down, hahaha...
Your message to aspiring players:
Keep pushing and do extra work after training, please don't chase the lifestyle, chase the dream. Most of them think about what I am going to get after getting paid once I turn professional, that's wrong. Take football as a job then you'll know that you can't lose your job over a night in the club. Aspiring soccer players learn to do things professionally now before you turn pro so that when you turn professional, then there is not culture shock.
