The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) remains one of the most-highest paying leagues in the African continent. Boasting various sponsorship deals such as DStv (MultiChoice), Carling Black Label, MTN, and Nedbank as some of the financiers, there’s no doubt that the players are paid handsomely.
Looking at top giants such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs, the so-called ‘Big Three’ dominates the space of the highest-paid players in the domestic top flight.
The Gauteng News Sports desk takes a glance at who are the highest-paid football stars in the elite division, PSL.
While the likes of Cape Town City, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu continue to attract big names in the football space, they cannot match the bank balance of the ‘Big Three’. This is evident as most of the highest earners come from Amakhosi, Masandawana, and the Buccaneers.
Highest-Paid Players in the PSL
1. Keagan Dolly
The Kaizer Chiefs winger rates at the top among the players who smile to the bank at the end of the month. Dolly boasts one of the most educated left foot in the PSL. As per the most recent statistics, the former Sundowns star earns a cool R1,5 million. Having plied his trade in the French division with Montpellier, Dolly came back in 2021 and joined the Naturena-based giants.
2. Bongani Zungu
A former campaigner in the French Ligue 1 with SC Amiens, Zungu failed to make his mark in Europe and opted to return home. He reunited with coach Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns and he is one of the top earners at R700,000 a month. The former University of Pretoria star is one of the most technically gifted players. He is slowly returning to his best form under Mokwena.
3. Deon Hotto
The Namibia international is fresh from the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast where he scored a goal as they downed Tunisia. Hotto has always offered versatility for the Sea Robbers and he is credited for their winning ways. With Hotto’s contribution under Jose Riveiro, Pirates are now restoring their glory days as cup specialists. The reigning Nedbank Cup and MTN8 winners are blessed with top talents such as Hotto. His staggering R500,000 is justifiable considering his contributions.
4. Ronwen Williams
Another key member of the squad assembled by the cash-splashing Sundowns is none other than the Bafana Bafana skipper. His move to Sundowns from SuperSport United was criticised in the media, but he has proven his naysayers wrong. Williams boasts a league and African Football League gold medals and will be the club’s number for many seasons to come. He recently became the first keeper to save four penalties in one match under the FIFA banner. The Gqeberha-born gloveman earns R500,000 at Chloorkop.
Also Read: Top Kaizer Chiefs Goal Scorers of All Time
5. Itumeleng Khune
While he remains sidelined for off-the-field disciplinary matters, Khune is one of the most loved football stars in Mzansi and the PSL in general. Based on his stature, ‘Itu’ earns a fat cheque of R480,000 at Amakhosi and he is one of the longest-serving players. With his contract expected to expire at the end of the current season, his future remains a subject of speculation.
6. Sipho Mbule
The man nicknamed Master Chef is known for cooking brilliant and defence-splitting passes for Sundowns. Mbule is one of the players who crossed the floor from Amatsatsantsa A Pitori to the 2016 African champions, Sundowns. With his dribbling and silky skills in the heart of the park, Mbule has earned the right to be rewarded with R350,000.
7. Kermit Erasmus
The nippy attacker from Gqeberha is one of the lethal strikers in the PSL but he has fallen down the pecking order at Mayfair under Riveiro. The former Sundowns and SuperSport hitman earns a cool R350, 000 at the 1995 African champions. As a former Bafana striker, Erasmus is known to be among the few players with a BMT, a big-match temperament.
8. Gaston Sirino
Another Sundowns star player who is regarded as a match-winner of note, the Uruguayan creative midfielder has a special eye for goals. Despite being previously linked with a move away from Tshwane owing to lack of game time, Sirino recently netted a hat trick against La Masia proving why he is a fan darling in the Kaboyellow family. The Spanish-speaking star earns R300,000.
9. Bernard Parker
One of the stalwarts and popular faces in the South African top flight, Parker left many shocked when he parted ways with Chiefs a few seasons ago. He found a new home in Mbombela with TS Galaxy where he earns R300 000. ‘Die Hond’ recently suffered a broken leg as he was tackled by Zungu but he made a quick recovery for the Rockets.
10. Richard Ofori
Formerly on the books of the relegated Maritzburg United, Ofori is one of the PSL stars that were part of the biennial Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast. The Black Stars of Ghana international, Ofori’s career has been hit by long-term injuries but he is highly rated by the fans at Mayfair. The gifted keeper is kindly rewarded by Pirates and earns R300,000.
