SAFA Proposes To Cut Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana Allowances And Bonuses

Crises Loom In South Africa As SAFA Proposes To Cut Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana Allowances And Bonuses

Sampson Adedeji

A fresh crisis could be brewing in South African football following a proposal by the South African Football Association to reduce allowances and bonuses for the country’s senior national teams, Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to a report, the proposed changes have already raised concerns among players and stakeholders, mainly because the athletes were not consulted before the decision was tabled.

Under the new proposal, players would receive between 20 and 45 percent of tournament prize money, a significant reduction from the previous arrangement.

 For instance, Bafana Bafana’s share from their third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations would reportedly drop from about R40 million to less than R21 million if the new structure is adopted.

SAFA explained that the move is part of a new financial strategy, stressing that the federation will no longer supplement or top up players’ bonuses using its own funds beyond what is earned from competition prize money.

However, the proposal is expected to face strong resistance from players and their representatives, who believe such a major financial decision should involve consultations with the teams affected.

The development could potentially lead to tensions between the federation and the national teams if an agreement is not reached in the coming weeks.