More millions for Bafana players for reaching World Cup knockout stage

Bafana Bafana players may have joined South Africa’s millionaires list after they beat South Korea to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

According to a South African Football Association (SAFA) finance committee proposal, which News24 has seen, Bafana’s 1-0 win at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, courtesy of Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike, made the 26-player squad instant millionaires as it guarantees them approximately R1.6 million per player.

Even if they had crashed out in the group stage, SAFA was guaranteed R147 million as a participation fee.

About R29 million would have been split among the squad as their 20% share, roughly R1.1 million per player.

If Bafana beat tournament co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday evening to storm into the last 16, SAFA will be guaranteed R244 million, with the players getting a 25% share (R61 million).

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These eye-watering figures are contained in the SAFA finance committee proposal, which outlines how Bafana will share FIFA’s record-breaking prize money for the expanded 48-nation tournament.

The finance committee’s report was allegedly finalised after the committee’s meeting on 28 February this year. News24 understands that the proposal was discussed with the players in March.

A SAFA national executive committee (NEC) member said players accepted the bonus structure when it was presented to them.

“As far as I know, the NEC approved the bonus structure at the March NEC meeting,” said the member.

The players could pocket about R14 million each if they win the World Cup.

The bonus structure is part of SAFA’s proposed policy on remuneration for senior national team players for major