Bafana Players Receive World Cup Bonuses As SAFA Resolves Tax Delay
Bafana Bafana players and technical staff have officially received their long-awaited payouts for reaching the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sportswire can confirm.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) disbursed the funds during Pitso Mosimane’s inaugural national team camp in Egypt, resolving a multi-million-rand administrative delay caused by complex cross-border tax compliance across North America.
The Cairo gathering marked Bafana’s first camp since their historic World Cup run ended in a heart-wrenching, last-minute Round of 32 defeat to co-hosts Canada.
On the pitch in Egypt, Mosimane’s tenure got off to an impressive start as South Africa thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier before squaring off against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in a high-profile friendly at Cairo International Stadium.
Why Were Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Bonuses Delayed?
For reaching the knockout stage in North America, SAFA was awarded $12 million (approx. R210 million) in FIFA prize money. SAFA Vice President Linda Zwane confirmed the gross figures to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture in August, answering direct questions from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Eugene Mthethwa.
However, as the weeks passed without players receiving their bonuses, public criticism mounted, forcing SAFA to issue a formal clarification explaining the administrative hold-up.
“All allowances, fees, and other amounts due to players and support staff have been settled,” SAFA stated in an official release, emphasizing that main tournament bonuses required foreign tax clearance.
SAFA explained that playing fixtures across the USA and Mexico subjected total earnings to federal, state, and municipal tax laws in both nations. In accordance with FIFA directives, the association appointed specialized legal and accounting experts in both jurisdictions to process withholdings before releasing funds locally.
Spain, who won the World Cup and was allocated $50 million, was also in the same boat with SAFA due to the delays, having not received their full prize money due to federal due to laws in all nations in the North America.
How Much Did the Coaching Staff Earn?
Under contractual agreements structured prior to the tournament:
- Hugo Broos: The former head coach—who stepped down in July before being succeeded by Mosimane—secured a 10% share of the FIFA performance payout, earning approximately R20 million.
- Helman Mkhalele: Broos’ former assistant coach, who was not retained under Mosimane’s new technical setup, earned 5% (R9.5 million).
Political Sparring Ahead of SAFA Elections
The bonus delay quickly became a central debate ahead of SAFA’s elective congress in early September. Presidential challenger Sandile Zungu publicly criticized the executive committee, calling the unpaid bonuses a symptom of systemic governance failures and promising immediate reform if elected.
A high-ranking SAFA official dismissed Zungu’s remarks as election campaigning, pointing out that incumbent President Danny Jordaan ultimately secured another four-year term in office.
What Lies Ahead for Bafana Bafana?
With financial matters settled, Bafana Bafana can turn their full attention back to international football. Currently sitting top of Group D in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with six points, South Africa return to action next month for a crucial home-and-away double-header against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya.
