Reports have emerged from the Motsepe Foundation Championship detailing a distressing situation where players from both Kruger United and Pretoria Callies are facing significant delays in receiving their salaries.
This financial instability casts a shadow over their recent on-field achievements, particularly Kruger’s. The Mpumalanga-based side finished an impressive fifth in the league standings in their maiden season in the second tier.
However, it’s understood that while some players at Kruger United have received partial payments, others are still awaiting their full salaries for almost two months.
Even more concerning is the situation at Pretoria Callies. The club, which avoided relegation by finishing 11th, is reportedly in a more dire predicament, with players having gone three months without receiving their wages.
This prolonged lack of payment leaves players in a precarious position, struggling to cover basic living expenses and unable to support their families or travel to see loved ones.
The Footballers Union of South Africa [FUSA] has expressed serious concern over these ongoing issues, highlighting the effect such financial neglect has on the welfare of the players and the integrity of the game.
WHAT FUSA SAID ABOUT THE KRUGER UNITED & CALLIES ISSUES
FUSA secretary general Taelo Motloung said the situation at both clubs was appalling.
“It’s appalling that players from Kruger United and Callies FC have gone unpaid for over two months,” Motloung told FARPost. “This is despite their tireless efforts to save their teams from relegation, with Kruger United even achieving a fifth-place finish—a true testament to their dedication and commitment.
“It is unconscionable that, despite their success on the field, these players are being treated with such disregard off it. The current situation is unacceptable: players are stranded in Pretoria without basic necessities, unable to travel to see loved ones, and the club’s leadership remains unresponsive.
“The disparity in salary payments is staggering, with some players receiving one month’s pay while others wait for two. This treatment is a profound disservice to football. FUSA urges immediate action to address these grievances and ensure players receive their rightful compensation.”
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