Pay Him What He Deserves: McKenzie Demands Equal Salary For Mosimane As SAFA Contract Talks Stall
Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has insisted that SAFA pay Pitso Mosimane the same salary given to former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, as contract negotiations between the two parties hit a wall.
The SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) approved Mosimane’s appointment on 8 August following Broos’ departure at the end of July when his contract expired. However, both sides remain far apart on terms.
Reports indicate that Mosimane rejected SAFA’s initial financial offer. Furthermore, sources close to the matter revealed that SAFA requested Mosimane step down from both his recently launched podcast and his school football development program, citing a conflict of interest.
As it stands, negotiations have reached a complete deadlock. The delay creates immense pressure for Bafana Bafana, who return to action on 23 September for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
If SAFA and Mosimane fail to reach an agreement soon, this website was informed that the association is considering appointing Technical Director Molefi Ntseki on an interim basis for next month’s qualifiers.
Why Is Gayton McKenzie Intervening in SAFA’s Pay Dispute?
Speaking on the stalled talks, the outspoken Minister argued that racial pay equity must be upheld in South African sport.
“I’m being told that Pitso Mosimane is our coach,” said McKenzie.
“We must also be honest; we come from a country where black people were paid less than white people.
“That scar has not been healed by many people. But we, as black people, cannot do the same thing that was done to us, where you pay the white man more.
“Pitso Mosimane is not a coach of the Motsepe League, let us be straight about that issue.
“We must give people what they deserve. It’s like we are scared of white people, that white people will pay them more, and when it comes to black people, it’s not the case.
“Pitso Mosimane should be paid at least what they started with when they appointed Broos.”
McKenzie also criticized SAFA’s handling of the negotiations: “Because black people are still hurt that they were underpaid and undervalued. We cannot have that.
“Sometimes you ask yourself, who is taking these decisions? They [SAFA] love crisis; that is their problem.
“Even when things can be sorted out easily, they make it a crisis.”
Broos, appointed on a five-year contract in 2021, left as the longest-serving coach in Bafana Bafana history. During his tenure, he guided South Africa to an AFCON bronze medal in 2024 and led them into the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America in July.
Replacing the Belgian mentor, however, is fast becoming another operational crisis for SAFA.
