By Linda Ximba |
South African football has been rocked by a proposed overhaul of bonus payments for the senior national teams, with the South African Football Association (Safa) suggesting drastic reductions in the earnings of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana players.
The proposal, contained in documents prepared for last weekend’s aborted national executive committee (NEC) meeting, suggests that players receive between 20% and 45% of tournament prize money depending on how far the team progresses. The new structure is expected to face strong resistance from players, particularly as they were reportedly not consulted during its drafting.
Under the proposed system, player bonuses would be significantly reduced. For example, when Bafana Bafana finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, players and staff shared R40 million of the R47 million prize money. Under the new model, they would receive just under R21 million, roughly 44% of the winnings.
Safa has also indicated it will no longer top up bonuses from its own funds. Instead, payments will strictly mirror the share allocated by FIFA.
The proposal comes ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June, where Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A and will open their campaign against Mexico on June 11. If the team finishes fourth in the group stage, players would receive 20% of the R144 million FIFA payout for that position.
However, the plan has already raised concerns within Safa structures. One NEC member, speaking anonymously, said national team captains had not been consulted and warned the approach could trigger disputes.
Meanwhile, Safa’s latest financial statements show the association facing a R23 million deficit, with reports also indicating that NEC members owe the body about R1.7 million in outstanding loans.
