This week we chat to Thabo Moloto, one of Mzansi's top football agents. He looks after the likes of Orlando Pirates' Oupa 'Ace' Manyisa and Kaizer Chiefs target, Reuben Thebakang.
Good morning all. How is everyone doing on this beautiful Soccer Laduma day? The latest edition, issue 891, is out and I want to get your take on this week's Siyagobhoza.
Headlines in this week's Siya include, 'Pirates to block Sundowns' Manyisa interest?', 'Downs reject R2m Manqele offer', 'Chiefs back in for Zulu?', 'Moosa Pitso in bust-up at Sundowns', 'Chiefs target Okwi' and 'Segolela trains with Bucs' B-team', amongst others.
We also invited our readers to log onto the Soccer Laduma Supporters Club, where they can read an exclusive interview with Thabo Moloto. The Siya crew's Joe Crann got in touch with him.
Hope you enjoy the read. Cheers... Eddie.
Joe Crann: Thabo, cheers for chatting to me. First up, how did you end up getting into the agency business in the beginning?
Thabo Moloto: It was in 1999 when my close friend Sipho Sephadi was playing for Jomo Cosmos. There was a point when he had some issues with his contract and that's when he asked me to assist him. That's how I ended up getting into the business.
JC: Right…
TM: What happened is that his contract was up for renewal at Cosmos and I was just giving him advice as a friend. I asked for his previous contract so that I could take it home for perusal, and after perusing it I asked him what he wanted to achieve with regards to his next deal.
JC: Okay, and what did he say?
TM: He told me that we wanted to get married and wanted to buy a new house. I told him that, if that was what he wanted, he needed to earn more than he was earning at that time. He asked whether from there onwards I could represent him because I seemed to have his best interests at heart, so I told him I could try.
JC: Fair enough.
TM: My intention was to study sports law, but after a while he asked if I could consider it as a profession, so I tried to combine the two together.
JC: As an agent that's dealt with players both in South Africa and overseas, how important do you think getting players to Europe at a young age is?
TM: It's very, very important for youngsters to be in the lower leagues of Europe as youngsters, because it can boost both them and the national team at the World Cup and youth competitions. Look at someone like Wesley Ntshangase. We all know he has talent, but he had to believe in himself in order to strike a deal in Europe.
JC: For sure…
TM: It's very important for local youngsters… to be at the door of bigger European teams. When they play in those leagues, they are raising the South African flag and they can bring that European experience back to the national team and even help the local players.
JC: Do you think that there are agents out there that are giving the industry a bad name at present?
TM: I cannot say names, but in the industry certain things happen. Maybe six or seven of the players I represent were previously working with someone else, but they were not happy with certain things and decided to move on.
JC: Go on…
TM: In my 15 years in the business, something that I have believed in is discovering players. On Heritage Day I went to Mabopane and found two crazy-talented, young players at the age of 17… that's what I do in my spare time. I think other agents should go along those lines, but there are a lot that don't look after the needs of the players and try to steal players from other agents.
JC: That is a shame.
TM: Players these days are smart, though. They can check agents out on Google or speak to other players and do research before signing up with a certain agent. So they can make their own decisions.
JC: One of your players is Oupa Manyisa. Is it difficult keeping such a talented player grounded?
TB: Oupa is 26 and is married with a kid, but I'm still trying to be both a father figure and an agent for him. He's a very disciplined player and we discuss his game and his mistakes, but we also talk about life in general. We talk about where he sees himself and what goals he wants to achieve, both inside and outside of football.
JC: Right…
TM: Before the pre-season started, we'd already got Oupa on a schedule at the gym, doing cardio and spinning etc. So while some of his teammates were relaxing, he was already ahead in terms of his fitness. From where I'm sitting, he's a very cooperative player. He doesn't have issues outside of football and I'm very happy with him.
JC: Another player is Reuben Thebakang, who has been linked with a move away from his current club. What's happening with him?
TM: The reason why we can't approach Free State Stars is because they have an option on him that they can still exercise. It all depends on the figures and, if we don't agree, then maybe he wants to move on.
JC: Sure.
TM: If we don't agree, then in January it's up to them whether they want him to see out his contract or whether they want interested clubs to come and try and sign him before his deal ends.
JC: Ok cool…
TM: As things stand, Reuben wants to move, but that doesn't mean he's not loyal to Free State Stars. He will be loyal until his contract ends and only then will we look for his next move.
JC: One final question… what is your biggest challenge as a football agent in South Africa?
TM: Some clubs always want the same favours from me!
JC: (Laughs) In what way?
TM: If a club has signed a player previously, they don't want to compete with other interested parties. They want to do the same thing they did before. My word to club bosses is that competition is very stiff out there. We must respect the interest of the players.
JC: Agreed.
TM: They play football for maybe eight or nine years, so they need to make enough money to settle their families and to invest in their futures.
JC: Definitely, brother. Thanks very much for your insights.
TM: My pleasure, enjoy the rest of your day.
