South Africa’s U20 men’s national team, better known as Amajita, continues to produce some of the country’s most promising football stars. Many of these youngsters are already earning impressive pay cheques, both at home in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and abroad. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid Amajita players in 2025, showcasing just how valuable our next generation of footballers has become.
- 1. Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers (England)
- 2. Mfundo Vilakazi – Kaizer Chiefs
- 3. Kutlwano Lethlaku – Mamelodi Sundowns
- 4. Gomolemo Kekana – Mamelodi Sundowns
- 5. Siyabonga Mabena – Mamelodi Sundowns
- 6. Sifiso Timba – Kaizer Chiefs
- 7. Luke Baartman – Kaizer Chiefs
- 8. Shakeel April – Cape Town City
- 9. Jody Ah Shene – Cape Town City
- 10. Asekho Tiwani – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Rising Fortunes for South Africa’s Brightest Young Stars
1. Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers (England)
Position: Centre-back
Estimated Salary: R1.5 million per year
At just 20, Tylon Smith has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young defenders South Africa has ever produced. After captaining Stellenbosch’s youth team, Smith earned a dream move to Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship. His leadership and composure at the back have made him Amajita’s highest earner, pulling in an estimated R1.5 million annually.
2. Mfundo Vilakazi – Kaizer Chiefs
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Estimated Salary: R1.2 million per year
Few youngsters have generated as much excitement as Mfundo Vilakazi. The Kaizer Chiefs wonderkid is already a fan favourite thanks to his creativity and flair in the final third. Reports suggest the 19-year-old pockets around R100,000 per month, making him one of the best-paid teenagers in the local game. Chiefs view him as a long-term star, and rightly so.
3. Kutlwano Lethlaku – Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Right Winger
Estimated Salary: R600,000 per year
Mamelodi Sundowns’ academy continues to deliver top talent, and Kutlwano Lethlaku is one of their newest gems. The electric winger’s performances for both club and country have been drawing attention from scouts across Africa and Europe. With his speed and precision on the flank, Lethlaku is a player to watch and his R600,000 yearly salary reflects his rising value.
4. Gomolemo Kekana – Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Estimated Salary: R500,000 per year
A tough tackler with vision to match, Gomolemo Kekana has been a pillar in the heart of the Amajita midfield. The 19-year-old played a crucial role in South Africa’s successful U20 AFCON campaign earlier this year. Earning roughly half a million rand annually, he’s one of the best-compensated young midfielders in the PSL.
5. Siyabonga Mabena – Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Left Winger
Estimated Salary: R400,000 per year
Another graduate from Sundowns’ golden youth pipeline, Siyabonga Mabena is known for his pace and ability to take on defenders. Still finding his feet at senior level, Mabena’s R400,000 yearly pay packet shows just how much confidence the club has in his potential to become a future star.
6. Sifiso Timba – Kaizer Chiefs
Position: Right-Back
Estimated Salary: R400,000 per year
A former Cape Town Spurs academy player, Sifiso Timba made a bold move to Kaizer Chiefs, where he’s been quietly climbing the ranks. His attacking runs from full-back and consistency earned him a spot in the Amajita setup. Timba’s salary sits around R400,000 a year impressive for a defender his age.
7. Luke Baartman – Kaizer Chiefs
Position: Striker
Estimated Salary: R400,000 per year
A natural goalscorer with a sharp instinct inside the box, Luke Baartman has quickly become a name to remember. The 19-year-old joined Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs in early 2025 and has already shown flashes of brilliance. His R400,000-a-year salary is well deserved for one of Amajita’s most exciting forwards.
8. Shakeel April – Cape Town City
Position: Right Winger
Estimated Salary: R300,000 per year
Cape Town City’s Shakeel April is the definition of consistency. The young winger’s energy and attacking instincts earned him a spot at the 2025 U20 World Cup. With a yearly salary of about R300,000, April is among the best-paid youngsters in the Mother City.
9. Jody Ah Shene – Cape Town City
Position: Striker
Estimated Salary: R300,000 per year
Another City prospect, Jody Ah Shene, brings strength and precision to the front line. His performances in the PSL have not gone unnoticed, with coaches praising his aerial ability and movement. His current salary is estimated around R300,000 annually a fair reflection of his growing importance in both club and country setups.
10. Asekho Tiwani – Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Left-Back
Estimated Salary: R350,000 per year
Completing the list is Asekho Tiwani, a dynamic left-back making waves at Mamelodi Sundowns. After impressing in the club’s youth ranks, Tiwani earned his first professional contract in 2025. His estimated R350,000 annual wage confirms Sundowns’ commitment to nurturing home-grown talent.
Rising Fortunes for South Africa’s Brightest Young Stars
This new generation of Amajita players is proof that South African football’s future is in capable hands. From Vilakazi’s flair to Smith’s leadership, these youngsters aren’t just playing for pride they’re earning salaries that signal their growing market value. As more of them move abroad or break into PSL first teams, the country can expect even more success stories from our U20 heroes in the years ahead.
Related article: Amajita’s World Cup Dream Ends After 3-1 Defeat to Colombia
Disclaimer: All salary figures mentioned in this article are estimated based on available reports, industry sources, and conversion rates as of 2025. Actual amounts may vary depending on contracts, bonuses, and undisclosed agreements.
