Bafana Bafana players are in a standoff with SAFA over AFCON 2025 bonuses, with negotiations ongoing and both sides holding firm.
A potential standoff is brewing between the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) concerning player bonuses for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Negotiations reportedly began during the team’s camp for a friendly match against Zambia in Gqeberha two weeks ago.
The players’ delegation, led by captain Ronwen Williams and senior midfielder Teboho Mokoena, is said to be in talks with the association, but a significant gap remains between their demands and what SAFA has budgeted.
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As reported by Sunday World, sources within SAFA have indicated that the players are requesting 50% of the total prize money the team earns at the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. In response, SAFA has reportedly tabled an offer of between 30% and 35% of the winnings.
The players are negotiating from a position of strength, buoyed by their recent impressive form. They secured their spot in the 2025 AFCON with games to spare and have also qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This was achieved despite being docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player.
Deja Vu Moment for Bafana Bafana, SAFA Ahead of AFCON 2025
The dispute echoes a similar situation from the previous AFCON in the Ivory Coast. For that tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) increased the prize money by 40%.
The winners, Ivory Coast, received $7 million (approximately R126 million), while runners-up Nigeria took home $4 million (R72 million).
Bafana Bafana, along with fellow semi-finalists DR Congo, earned a substantial R47 million. It is understood that from this amount, the players received R40 million, leaving SAFA with just R7 million. Additionally, coach Hugo Broos’ contract stipulates that he receives 10% of the team’s winnings.
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This recurring issue has resurfaced just weeks before the tournament begins, with the players reportedly holding firm on their demands.
Typically, Bafana Bafana players earn R60,000 for a win and R30,000 for a draw in regular matches, but tournament pay is structured as a performance-based bonus negotiated based on progression through the stages.
Players Might Cripple SAFA
An inside source expressed concern over the financial implications for the association. “If the players take more than 50%, that will cripple the association financially,” the source stated.
“Their demands have increased significantly from the last tournament. If they get this, SAFA will not be able to cover all its expenses, and there will be no benefit for the association.”
During the 2023 bonus negotiations, the memorandum of agreement was signed on behalf of the team by Williams, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, Siyanda Xulu, and Veli Mothwa.
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While SAFA structures the bonuses based on advancing to each stage, the specific breakdown is rarely made public.
At the time, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao explained the approach: “We are adopting a similar structure to 2019, that’s our basis to say what it is you are going to get if you go into the round of 16, the quarterfinals and so on. It is a performance bonus more than anything.”
South Africa will compete in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, with their opening match against Angola set for December 22 at the Stade de Marrakech.
