Super agent gives us insight into "crazy" PSL transfer window

The football transfer window in South Africa is officially shut. Several players made moves to various clubs in South Africa and abroad, with clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs spending plenty to reinforce their squad for the rest of the season. While players were busy making moves to their new clubs, agents were hard at work trying to get deals over the lines.

This week, Showmax Premier League has an exclusive interview with one of SA’s most experienced FIFA-licensed football agents, Mike Makaab, who owns Prosport international, was responsible for several successful transfers during this window.

Makaab chats to us about life as a football agent, and what it takes to cut it in the big leagues.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a football agent, particularly during the transfer window?

Well, renowned FIFA-licensed football agent Mike Makaab sums it up perfectly.

“It’s continuous chaos, interrupted by moments of insane success,” Makaab laughs. The CEO of Prosport International has been hard at work over the last few weeks, trying to secure transfers for some of his clients in the Betway Premiership during the January transfer window.

While the January transfer window isn’t a traditionally busy window, Makaab’s company still managed to negotiate a number of successful transfers.

“This particular window has been relatively quiet, which isn’t surprising since January is generally not as active as the mid-year window. That being said, there’s always work happening in the background, preparing for future moves.”

Makaab and his team at Prosport secured several transfers this January, including coach Owen da Gama’s move to Magesi FC.

“We successfully transferred Luvuyo Phewa from Mamelodi Sundowns to Durban City, a club with strong ambitions to earn PSL promotion. We also placed South African U-20 captain Patrick Autata at Cape Town City and arranged for coach Owen da Gama to join Magesi. Additionally, we’ve secured a number of pre-contract agreements, which we’ll reveal in due course.”

While the January transfer window may not be the busiest, the stress levels don’t get any less for Makaab and his team.

“The football industry is demanding year-round, but the intensity peaks during transfer windows for sure. If stress were measured on a scale of 0 to 100 in terms of chaos, I’d say it’s a solid 100."

And the Betway Premiership transfer window is always eventful, with many last-minute moves, so Makaab and his team are kept on their toes right until the window shuts.

“Negotiating a contract between two parties is already challenging,” he says. “When you introduce a third or even fourth party into the mix, such as a buying club, selling club, and player and his representative, it becomes exponentially more complex. It’s what makes the business both exhilarating and unpredictable.”

But having been in this business for many years now, Makaab is used to the stress and pressure that comes with having one of the most important jobs in football. Asked how he handles situations where players want to leave, but clubs refuse to sell, Makaab says: “We always encourage professionalism. A player’s best course of action is to stay focused, work hard, and let their performances speak for themselves. The best transfers happen at the right time, with all parties, player, clubs, and agent aligned.”

Makaab was the first ever FIFA-licensed football agent in South Africa and is responsible for some of the biggest football transfers this country has seen.

“It’s difficult to single out the biggest transfers we have done, but one that stands out is Siyabonga Nomvethe’s move from Kaizer Chiefs to Udinese in Serie A. He was my first client, and 26 years later, we’re still working together on his foundation and brand ambassadorial projects.

“Then one of the most talented footballers I’ve ever worked with, Mbulelo “OJ” Mabizela, at 22 years old, went from Orlando Pirates directly into the starting lineup of Tottenham Hotspur in England.”

Asked what his toughest transfer was to negotiate, Makaab says: “Every deal presents its own challenges, but one that stands out is Lebohang Mokoena’s move from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns. If I recall correctly, it was the first time a contracted player moved directly from Pirates to Sundowns. Negotiating that deal from our Greek office meant countless late-night calls with Dr Irvin Khoza and Dr Patrice Motsepe. Ultimately, it was the professionalism of both clubs that made the transfer possible.”

Currently, Prosport International represents around 120 footballers worldwide. “Some exciting young African talents we’ve recently placed in Europe include Ousmane Diomande (Ivory Coast) at Sporting Lisbon, Ousmane Diao (Senegal) at FC Midtjylland, and Shandre Campbell at Club Brugge. My son, Michael, a fellow FIFA-licensed agent, heads our global operations.”

Makaab has been in the business for over two decades now and has established himself as one of the biggest if not the biggest FIFA-licensed football agents that operates in South Africa.

“I’m a FIFA-licensed football agent and have been since March 2003. My role revolves around managing the careers of footballers, ensuring they receive the best opportunities both on and off the field. This involves contract negotiations, transfers, sponsorship procurement, and providing advisory support in areas like investments and tax planning.”

His company Prosport International offers a comprehensive 360-degree management service to their clients. "We handle contract negotiations, sponsorship deals, and provide financial, legal, and career advisory support. Until recently, we represented athletes across multiple sports, but over the past two years, we’ve focused exclusively on football, selling our rugby and cricket divisions. In addition to player representation, we also work on commercial football projects.”

As a football agent, Makaab provides holistic career management for players. “This means guiding them through every aspect of their professional journey, from securing the right club contracts to helping them make sound financial decisions. It’s about long-term career planning, ensuring they reach their full potential while being well-prepared for life after football.”

Makaab has some parting words for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps of becoming a football agent. “First, ask yourself why you want to do this. If it’s just for the money, you’re likely to be disappointed. However, if your motivation is to improve the lives of those you represent, and you’re prepared to invest serious time, face setbacks, and develop resilience, then this industry can be immensely rewarding. Personally, I had no mentor when I started. I learned through experience. Gaining credibility in a new industry wasn’t easy, but I’m proud to have helped pioneer football agency in South Africa.

“None of this would have been possible without the trust of club owners, footballers, and the unwavering support of my wife, Charmaine, who has been by my side for 50 years.”

Asked whether he was obsessed with football, Makaab says: “I’m deeply passionate about football, but my only true obsession is my relationship with my Creator. Through that, I value my family, friends, and colleagues above all else. Outside of football, I have a lifelong love for music. I’ve been playing the guitar and singing since I was seven—it’s my way of finding peace in a chaotic world.”