Joe Crann: Vas! What have you been getting up to since we last spoke? It was a busy window for you, hey?
Vasili Barbis: (Laughs) What have I not been doing?? The transfer window was crazy all the way up to the last minute to do Larry Cohen and Abel Mabaso to Ajax Cape Town, and yeah, this window was extremely busy for me, with roughly 17 transfers.
JC: And what's next?
VB: I have some work to do in January, as you know my client, John Arne Riise, will be free after the Indian Super League. There will be clubs looking for very specific requirements and it's just about having the right player at the right time. It's never a busy window period in January, but definitely preparing for it now.
JC: And how have your boys been doing at their clubs so far this season?
VB: My players have been doing well. Aubrey Ngoma is having a cracking season and you can see that by where Aces are lying, it's just been unfortunate with his injury but he's back now. Mosa Lebusa got a call up to the National team, to play Costa Rica away, and I think he showed he's quality. He deserves the left back position and has done wonderfully. I'm extremely proud of all my players and so happy that I have such unique and quality players representing my company.
JC: As a younger agent, what do you think that you can offer that is different to the older generation of agents?
VB: There is nothing really different to the "older generation"- they have that tag as they are still strong and around today for a reason that I aspire. I want a guy like me classifying myself as the older generation one day. If I had to classify a single difference, I would say my energy and the value I add.
JC: And in terms of a modern agent, what do you think football agents have to be doing for their clients these days?
VB: A modern agent needs to have professional experience in Finance, Law and have energy. Finance because you have to make sure you're on top of taxes, investments and property. Law, so you can have a team that are covered in all financial deals and contracts with clubs and sponsors. And energy because you work day and night to make sure your players have all the above and have a 100% mindset off of the field, so that when they are playing for those 90 minutess, they are not only physically there, but mentally too.
JC: One of your last transfers was Lennox Bacela to University of Pretoria, how is he enjoying it there despite their tough start?
VB: Lennox is a great player and literally my family. He absolutely loves his time there. He has so much to offer, at 32 he still has the hunger as when he was 18 fighting for his first professional contract. Game time is up to the technical team, I know from the players and staff that they look up to him and have enjoyed having him every second. When he gets his game I can assure you, our next interview will be saying how many offers are there for Lenny.
JC: Fingers crossed, mate! And what's ahead for you?
VB: At the moment we've just had a successful European trip. We have officially opened in Greece and with our European players excelling, I see myself there opening the gates for our local champs.
JC: Sounds good, man! Thanks for your time.
VB: Pleasure, mate.
