Having played the game himself, Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi knows all about what is required to be a good agent. He recalls how he missed out signing a Mamelodi Sundowns player for Orlando Pirates. Plus, the biggest deal that he was tragically robbed of.
Why I am in player management
I'm in a player management because I want to give an opportunity to disadvantaged young stars out there. Another thing, team scouts only go to Cape Town, Durban, Joburg, because rural areas don't have luxury hotels.
What I look for in a player
I look for discipline, hard work, respect, dedication, natural talent. It also depends on the position like as a striker I need someone who is tall and strong, who has a height, likewise with a center back. As a winger, I look at the person who can put in crosses and also track back to assist.
A deal that almost happened but didn't
It's the late Sinethemba Jantjie. We signed one big deal contract with Bidvest Wits, unfortunately he passed on in an accident.
Your most difficult transfer
The day I did Justice Chabalala at Orlando Pirates. There were other agents who were claiming that they represent him.
Your biggest regret in player management
Sammy Seabi asked me to sign him, but I delayed. Then the following week he signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. I was supposed to take him to Orlando Pirates.
Weirdest request you have ever received from a player/coach
There's a few. When a player lied about his age. Or when a player lied that he is playing for a certain club only to find out that he never played in professional team. When the player lied about the ending of their contract and when a player lied when he failed a trial, he would say the coach doesn't like him.
Players I wish I had managed
Players I wish I had managed is Mduduzi Shabalala, Peter Shalulile, and Mothobi Mvala.
Your message to aspiring players
They must train hard. If they go for a trials and they don't get a contract or if they fail a trial, it doesn't mean that they are not good enough. It's just they are not the kind of the player that the coach is looking for. It doesn't mean if they failed they will fail at other clubs. They need to accept that they failed and forget about it and focus on future or the next trial. They must be careful of other agents who might scam them for money. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. If they get a professional contact, they must invest in property, save money, and invest.
