Bafana Bafana players await R65 million payday

Almost two months after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana players and staff are reportedly still waiting for their bonuses from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

The issue has now reportedly created tension inside the national team. According to Sunday World, some players are considering a go-slow.

This could happen before the next national team camp. The camp will be for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

South Africa are set to face Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.

PITSO MOSIMANE FACES BAFANA BAFANA BONUS ISSUE

The timing has raised eyebrows. New head coach Pitso Mosimane has already announced his preliminary squad. The players are reportedly unhappy about entering another camp without receiving their World Cup money.

One team member spoke to Sunday World anonymously. “We have not been paid our World Cup monies … SAFA received the money from FIFA a week after the World Cup ended, which was about six weeks ago,” the source told the publication.

The source claims SAFA promised payment last week. That payment has reportedly not arrived. The claim also includes Hugo Broos and the technical staff.

“SAFA then promised us that the money would be sent to us last week but until this day, we have not been paid, including coach Hugo Broos and the whole technical staff,” the source added.

SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OWES MILLIONS?

The money involved is substantial. Before the World Cup, the 26 South Africa players were reportedly promised around R2 million each.

That figure was linked to the three group-stage matches. South Africa then progressed to the knockout stage.

Their reported bonus increased to around R2.5 million each. That would amount to roughly R65 million for the players. There was also significant FIFA funding involved.

SAFA received $12 million, which was reported at around R218 million.

That money covered Bafana Bafana’s World Cup participation and progress to the knockout stage. SAFA also received a reported $2.5 million preparation fee.

Also read: Mosimane rejects R5 million-a-year salary

That was worth around R41 million. The total reported FIFA funding therefore stood at approximately R259 million.

Part of the money was allocated to the players. The technical staff were also expected to receive a share. Another portion was earmarked for football development and administration.

The South African Football Players Union has reportedly started investigating the matter.

The union is expected to comment after gathering more information. Sunday World also attempted to contact SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.

Those efforts were reportedly unsuccessful. For now, the focus is shifting towards the upcoming qualifiers.