The SA Football Association [SAFA] will inject more than R100 million into local football development and general administration following Bafana Bafana’s successful run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana secured $12 million [R201 million] in prize money after reaching the Last 32 of the global showpiece, adding to a $2.5 million [R42 million] preparation allocation awarded by FIFA before the tournament.
It was a historic run under head coach Hugo Broos, with Bafana reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time.
According to veteran journalist Velile Mnyandu, SAFA Finance Committee chairperson Mxolisi Sibam outlined the association’s distribution strategy, confirming that a large share of the windfall will be reinvested in grassroots systems.
Under the negotiated payout agreement between SAFA and the Bafana squad, 50 per cent of the main prize money remains with the association. The playing personnel will share roughly R65 million, guaranteeing each 23-man squad member about R2.5 million.
Coach Broos receives a 10 per cent share worth R21.8 million, while assistant coach Helman Mkhalele receives five per cent [around R8 million]. The remaining members of the technical support team share a two per cent pool.
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“Before we went to the World Cup, the NEC approved how we are going to split the money. It was a simple split,” said Sibam at SAFA House in Nasrec on Wednesday. “The team will get 50%—meaning what is invested in the squad, including bonuses for players and coaches.
“The remaining 50% will be split. Governance will get a very small percentage through administration to settle debts, run competitions, and fund football development. Close to R10 million of that will be invested in at least one national junior competition because we have to reinvest.”
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Sibam went on to claim that the decision to prioritise structural growth and development had the backing of senior players in the national team setup, including Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams.
“I was chatting to the captain of the team. These are the same sentiments he raised himself without me leading him to say that. He said that they don’t want as Bafana Bafana to take all the money, but what they want is to see us reinvesting that money to produce another Ronwen Williams and producing another Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba.”
Sibam noted that the collaborative structure reflects a shared commitment by the leadership and squad members to build a sustainable foundation for future generations.
“And if our team feels like that, it means we get encouraged as well when you allocate this. But that money is going to be allocated right through the ecosystem of SAFA.
“…Also, we must remember very importantly that we’re preparing for AFCON in June-July next year, so we need money to basically kickstart that.
“That’s why I say part of the money will be invested to make sure that we qualify for AFCON again, while also ensuring our junior national teams, junior competitions, and conventions are funded.”
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