New SuperSport United signing Mark Mayambela took a salary cut to play in the Premier Soccer League again and now he's reaping the rewards for his sacrifice.
Mayambela left National First Division side Royal Eagles at the start of this season and took a "two-figure" salary cut to join Chippa United in the Absa Premiership.
Six months later, Mayambela has made a big move to SuperSport United, who signed him on a lucrative three-and-half year contract.
"The salary cut was a two-figure number, that's all I can say," the Khayelitsha-born midfielder said.
"When you set yourself goals and when you want to be successful in life, I believe there are sacrifices that one needs to make, be it financial or something else. I had to make that sacrifice for myself and my family. It wasn't easy because it affected my lifestyle but it was worth it. It was big money... quite a lot of money," he said.
The 28-year-old previously played in Gauteng for Orlando Pirates and was always on the receiving end, with critics expressing concern that he had more substitute appearances than starts.
Over three seasons from 2010-11 to 2012-13 at Pirates, Mayambela made 36 appearances from the bench while he was in the starting XI for just two official games. He moved to Black Aces in 2013-14, but left under a cloud barely three months into his one-year contract.
Speaking of his struggles at Pirates, Mayambela admitted that he didn't handle his situation of lack of game time well.
"I believe that when I went to Pirates I was still young and there were a lot of things that I needed to learn. I believe that if, during my time with Pirates, I knew what I know now, things would have turned out differently for me.
"I have come at the right time to the right team and I believe that SuperSport United is a great team with a great coach.
"Gordon Igesund is a very experienced coach and he understands South African football. I'm grateful for the opportunity and hopefully things will turn out well for me going forward," he said.
Mayambela in pounds seat
New SuperSport United signing Mark Mayambela took a salary cut to play in the Premier Soccer League again and now he's reaping the rewards for his sacrifice.
Mayambela left National First Division side Royal Eagles at the start of this season and took a "two-figure" salary cut to join Chippa United in the Absa Premiership.
Six months later, Mayambela has made a big move to SuperSport United, who signed him on a lucrative three-and-half year contract.
"The salary cut was a two-figure number, that's all I can say," the Khayelitsha-born midfielder said.
"When you set yourself goals and when you want to be successful in life, I believe there are sacrifices that one needs to make, be it financial or something else. I had to make that sacrifice for myself and my family. It wasn't easy because it affected my lifestyle but it was worth it. It was big money... quite a lot of money," he said.
The 28-year-old previously played in Gauteng for Orlando Pirates and was always on the receiving end, with critics expressing concern that he had more substitute appearances than starts.
Over three seasons from 2010-11 to 2012-13 at Pirates, Mayambela made 36 appearances from the bench while he was in the starting XI for just two official games. He moved to Black Aces in 2013-14, but left under a cloud barely three months into his one-year contract.
Speaking of his struggles at Pirates, Mayambela admitted that he didn't handle his situation of lack of game time well.
"I believe that when I went to Pirates I was still young and there were a lot of things that I needed to learn. I believe that if, during my time with Pirates, I knew what I know now, things would have turned out differently for me.
"I have come at the right time to the right team and I believe that SuperSport United is a great team with a great coach.
"Gordon Igesund is a very experienced coach and he understands South African football. I'm grateful for the opportunity and hopefully things will turn out well for me going forward," he said.
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