Bafana Bafana players have signed an all-or-nothing deal with the South African Football Association, SAFA. If the 1996 champions win the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, each player will become a millionaire in rand terms.
According to a Memorandum of Agreement, SAFA will pay the team R131 million if, and only if, Bafana Bafana win AFCON 2023. CEO, Lydia Monyepao was part of the SAFA delegation at the signing ceremony.
“We are happy that we could meet with the players, hear them out and come to an agreement on the financial side,” said Monyepao.
President Dr Danny Jordaan, Vice President Bennett Bailey, and HOD David Molwantwa completed the SAFA representatives. The players were represented by captain Ronwen Williams, Percy Tau, Siyanda Xulu, Veli Mothwa and Themba Zwane.
“It was not just about the money, there were other issues too,” noted Tau.
While payment structure is confidential, it is highly unlikely the players agreed to get absolutely nothing if they don’t win the tournament in Ivory Coast. However, a payday of more than R2 million is strong motivation to return home after the final on the 11th of February.