GERALD "Mgababa" Raphahlela once quit football, the sport he loved, after the club he had idolised, Kaizer Chiefs, let him go without kicking a ball.

It took serious persuasion from those close to him to convince the defender to return to football.

Yesterday we found out what made the Seshego-born Raphahlela tick, and about the successful businessman's future plans.

Can you tell us what happened at Chiefs and who persuaded you to return to the game?

I was brought to Chiefs by Jack Chamangwana for trials in 1992 and I passed the trials and they signed me. I was so excited because I grew up harbouring hopes of playing for Chiefs. I called home and all my friends about the good news and while I was celebrating Bra K (Kaizer Motaung, the Chiefs chairman) called me to his office to inform me that they had decided to loan me to Dynamos. I was a nobody then and they felt that I would not fit in their system. I was very angry and decided that enough is enough, and I quit. But my homeboy William Makhura and the late Real Rovers chairman, John Ngobeni, convinced me to return (to the game).

What happened then?

I relented and finally joined Rovers in 1993 and helped them gain promotion to the elite league at the end of that season.

How did you join Orlando Pirates?

Pirates were following my progress at Rovers and they finally signed me in 1996.

What was it like joining Pirates after your frustration at Chiefs?

It was a huge move for me to join Pirates and I was very excited.

Did it take you long to settle at Pirates?

I settled the very first day I joined them. John Mabaso brought me to training and left me there. The players were surprised to see me and started asking who I was. I was never nervous and surprised them when I sent Josep Ngake to fetch water for me. Some of the senior players told me that I was brave, coming from nowhere to send Ngake to fetch water for me.

Who was the coach at Pirates when you joined them and what did he say to you after your first training session?

It was Bondas (Victor Bondarenko) and he was very impressed with my work rate and pace. I was very fit. He called me after training and said: 'By the way, what is your name and why are you running like a car?'

How did Jerry Sikhosana react to your arrival at Pirates considering your previous confrontation with him.

He was very excited and relieved considering that I used to cost him red cards when Rovers played against Witbank Black Aces and Pirates. He came to me and said: 'Mfana, I'm happy you are now my teammate.'

Were you not worried about warming the bench at Pirates considering that they had a star-studded defence?

I know my potential and I was a professional and I was not afraid of challenges. When I arrived they had the likes of Bernard Lushozi, Gavin Lane, Sam Pam, Edward Motale, Phiri Tsotetsi but I managed to compete with them for the starting lineup. Pam had to be shifted to the midfield and Lushozi removed completely. Ronald Mkhandawire also used me as a right-back and midfielder.

Which game still stands out?

All the matches that we played and won against Chiefs stand out for me. I always redoubled my efforts against Chiefs because for me it was always revenge against them because of what they did to me. I also made it a point that I kicked those guys ... I was bitter.

Who was your roommate in your first camp ?

I was paired with Sam Pam and we were in Bloemfontein for our match against Bloemfontein Celtic. I wanted to smoke in the room but I was afraid to ask him. He was praying for a long time and after he had finished he took out his cigarettes and smoked. I joined him and we spoke for a long time.

What other things were you doing in the camp?

We used to play dice until the wee hours of the morning. It was serious gambling because on a good night you would make R10000. I used to gamble with Steve Lekoelea, Godfrey Sapula, Thabang Lebese and Ngake.

Who was your best friend?

Dumisa Ngobe, and we are still keeping in touch.

Who was the best dresser?

Me and Lekoelea

Worst dresser?

Sam Pam

What was your first car?

Toyota Cressida

What was your lowest and highest salary as a player?

I will prefer to talk about the lowest. It was R300 at Sparkling Monarchs (they competed in the OK League in Rustenburg).

What are a you doing now?

I'm running my construction and security company in Polokwane.

What are your future plans?

To grow my company. Please send my regards to all my former teammates and the players I played against.

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This article was first published in the printed newspaper 27 June 2012