McKenzie steps in to pay Bafana, Banyana bonuses

Sport Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has advanced R5 million to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses for the Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana teams.

Media Statement

Department advances R5 million to SAFA for player salaries following reports that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has become cash-strapped to pay player’s salaries ahead of the festive season, DSAC has decided to advance the federation with R5 mil pic.twitter.com/E1fc7TxfKp

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) December 12, 2024

SAFA has had its fair share of financial issues, which have seen both Bafana and Banyana players not receiving their match bonuses since September, with the association allegedly owing players around R6 million.

The Sport Ministry announced its intervention today. It says this advance payment will be deducted from the federation’s grant allocation for the 2025 financial year, ensuring that player salaries can be met ahead of the festive season.

“Following reports that the South African Football Association [SAFA] has become cash-strapped to pay player’s salaries ahead of the festive season, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture [DSAC] has decided to advance the federation with R5 million,” the department announced.

“This comes with the condition that SAFA’s leadership would need to provide reasons for why their financial affairs are so troubled, together with a viable turnaround plan to avoid such a situation in future. SAFA agreed to the conditions and thanked the Minister for the intervention,” added the department.