McKenzie to pay almost R10m in bonuses, closes Mokoena yellow card blunder

November 4, 2025 93

Sporst, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that his department will pay nearly R10 million in bonuses to South Africa’s national teams, with more than of the total half going to Bafana Bafana.

The payouts will also go to Banyana Banyana (R1 million), the Proteas Women (R1 million), the Springbok Women (R1 million), Amajita (R1 million), and Amajimbos (R500,000).

But it is the senior men’s national football team that will be smiling the widest, taking home the largest share of the incentive package.

“R5 million will be going to the players in preparation for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup in the US,” McKenzie said.

The minister says this is not merely a token of appreciation but a deliberate move to motivate the squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

“This investment is a testament to their hard work and the pride they instill in our nation,” McKenzie added.

McKenzie also revealed that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has completed its investigation into the administrative blunder that led to Bafana Bafana being docked three points during the World Cup qualifiers.

“SAFA has complied with my request and has completed its investigation. They provided me with a very comprehensive investigation, and I can report today that we now have full clarity on what happened,” said McKenzie.

“The report confirms this was not an act of negligence or sabotage, but rather a strange, highly unusual set of coincidences. The two yellow cards issued to Teboho Mokoena came 16 months apart, an almost unheard of gap.”

“The team manager Vincent Tseka, who has taken responsibility for that oversight despite numerous excruciating circumstances, was not present when the second card was issued as he had left the field to fetch ice for the players.”

In a major announcement today, Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed direct financial support from the government to our national teams in recognition of their outstanding performances:

• R5 Million for Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten run
•R1 Million for Banyana Banyana
•R1 Million for… pic.twitter.com/x40CZPosZn

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) November 4, 2025