Top 25 highest-paid soccer players in South Africa's PSL in 2024
South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL) is one of the biggest soccer competitions in Africa. The league has gained popularity globally, and most of its players are the highest-paid in Africa. Discover below the salary estimates of some of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa's PSL in 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Who are the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa's PSL?
- 1. Samir Nurkovic - R930,000
- 2. Deon Hotto - R500,000
- 3. Itumeleng Khune - R480,000
- 4. Thapelo Morena - R400,000
- 5. Brian Onyango - R380,000
- 6. Zitha Macheke - R370,000
- 7. Erwin Saavedra - R350,000
- 8. Sipho Mbule - R350,000
- 9. Kermit Erasmus - R350,000
- 10. Mosa Lebusa - R300,000
- 11. Ashley Du Preez - R300,000
- 12. Gaston Sirino - R300,000
- 13. Yusuf Maart - R300,000
- 14. Abubeker Nassir - R290,000
- 15. Themba Zwane - R250,000
- 16. Mothobi Mvala - R250,000
- 17. Eric Mathoho - R220,000
- 18. Evidence Makgopa - R200,000
- 19. Fortune Makaringe - R185,000
- 20. Maliele Vincent Pule - R170,000
- 21. Thembinkosi Lorch - R165,000
- 22. Reeve Frosler - R150,000
- 23. Ranga Chivaviro - R150,000
- 24. Dillon Solomons - R120,000
- 25. Edmilson Dove - R105,000
- Who is the highest-paid player in PSL per month?
- Who are the top 10 highest-paid soccer players in South Africa?
- How much does Lorch earn monthly?
- Who is the highest-paid player at Kaizer Chiefs?
- Who is the highest-paid player in Orlando Pirates?
- What is the PSL players' salary in 2024?
- What is the average salary of a PSL player in South Africa?
- How much does PSL pay every team monthly?
- Which PSL players are broke?
- How many foreign players are allowed in PSL?
- What is Lyle Foster's salary?
- What is Percy Tau's salary?
SA's highest-paid soccer players are from the country's wealthiest clubs. The highest-paid players in the ABSA premiership are top performers. Their salaries inspire sportspeople worldwide to play for clubs in Mzansi.
Who are the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa's PSL?
For the longest time, South African footballers would relocate to European countries to seek greener pastures. That has not happened in the past decade since the PSL pays them well. The following list unveils some of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa per month:
Ranking | Soccer players' names | Monthly salary (Approx.) |
1. | Samir Nurkovic | R930,000 |
2. | Deon Hotto | R500,000 |
3. | Itumeleng Khune | R480,000 |
4. | Thapelo Morena | R400,000 |
5. | Brian Onyango | R380,000 |
6. | Zitha Macheke | R370,000 |
7. | Erwin Saavedra | R350,000 |
8. | Sipho Mbule | R350,000 |
9. | Kermit Erasmus | R350,000 |
10. | Mosa Lebusa | R300,000 |
11. | Ashley Du Preez | R300,000 |
12. | Gaston Sirino | R300,000 |
13. | Yusuf Maart | R300,000 |
14. | Abubeker Nassir | R290,000 |
15. | Themba Zwane | R250,000 |
16. | Mothobi Mvala | R250,000 |
17. | Eric Mathoho | R220,000 |
18. | Evidence Makgopa | R200,000 |
19. | Fortune Makaringe | R185,000 |
20. | Maliele Vincent Pule | R170,000 |
21. | Thembinkosi Lorch | R165,000 |
22. | Reeve Frosler | R150,000 |
23. | Ranga Chivaviro | R150,000 |
24. | Dillon Solomons | R120,000 |
25. | Edmilson Dove | R105,000 |
Below are the highest-paid soccer players in the South African Premier Division (officially referred to as the DStv Premiership) and their monthly salary estimates:
1. Samir Nurkovic - R930,000
- Full name: Samir Nurković
- Born: 13 June 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Tutin, Serbia
- Current team: Free agent
- Position: Striker
- Height: 1.87 meters (6 feet 2 inches)
- Salary: R930,000 per month
The Serbian player joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2019 and was one of the most valuable players in AmaKhosi, which made it hard for the North African clubs to poach him. The player later went to Royal AM in January 2023 and then moved to TS Galaxy FC in September 2023. He reportedly used to earn R930,000 monthly at TS Galaxy. SABC Sport has established that SuperSport United are set to sign the striker, who is currently a free agent.
2. Deon Hotto - R500,000
- Full name: Deon Hotto Kavendji
- Born: 29 October 1990
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Namibia
- Current team: Orlando Pirates
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches)
- Salary: R500,000 per month
Midfielder Deon Hotto is among the best Orlando Pirates players. So far, he has scored two goals in 21 matches of the 2022/2023 Premier Soccer League season. Deon Hotto's salary of R500,000 makes him one of the highest-paid players at Orlando Pirates.
3. Itumeleng Khune - R480,000
- Full name: Itumeleng Issac Khune
- Born: 20 June 1987
- Age: 37 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Ventersdorp, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Height: 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
- Salary: R480,000 per month
Itumeleng is the captain of SA's national football team and the Kaizer Chiefs. He also works as a part-time plumber. Kaizer Chiefs retained Itumeleng Khune in 2019 despite a series of injuries that affected his performance.
Goalkeeper Khune earns a hefty monthly salary of R480,000. His contract with the AmaKhosi was due in the 2020/2021 season, but the club extended it.
4. Thapelo Morena - R400,000
- Full name: Thapelo James Morena
- Born: 6 August 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Randfontein, South Africa
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Midfielder, Defender
- Height: 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches)
- Salary: R400,000 per month
Thapelo is among the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa. He joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Celtic in 2016. Thapelo Morena's versatile skills and high adaptability enabled him to play the defense and center positions.
His monthly salary of R400,000 makes him one of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa and among the top five highest-paid players in the PSL.
5. Brian Onyango - R380,000
- Full name: Brian Mandela Onyango
- Born: 24 July 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Nairobi, Kenya
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
- Salary: R380,000 per month
Center-back Brian Onyango is an intriguing and charismatic footballer. He first moved to SA in 2012 to play in the ABC Motsepe League, previously known as the Vodacom League. Onyango is among the highest-paid players at Mamelodi Sundowns, with a monthly salary of R380,000.
6. Zitha Macheke - R370,000
- Full name: Alton Zitha Kwinika
- Born: 4 January 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.79 meters (5 feet 10.5 inches)
- Salary: R370,000 per month
Zitha's estimated salary is R370,000 per month. He started his career at Kaizer Chiefs and got promoted to their first team in 2014. Later in his career, Zitha Kwinika played for Chippa United, Bidvest Wits, and Stellenbosch before returning to Kaizer Chiefs in 2022.
7. Erwin Saavedra - R350,000
- Full name: Erwin Mario Saavedra Flores
- Born: 22 February 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Oruro, Bolivia
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches)
- Salary: R350,000 per month
Bolivian footballer Erwin Saavedra is primarily a right midfielder but does not mind playing the right-back position. He has a successful international career. Before moving to South Africa, the midfielder was in the Bolivian U-20 team and played for the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship. Erwin Saavedra's salary is guesstimated to be R350,000.
8. Sipho Mbule - R350,000
- Full name: Sipho Percevale Mbule
- Born: 22 March 1998
- Age: 26 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Bethlehem, South Africa
- Current team: Sekhukhune United
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.77 meters (5 feet 9 inches)
- Salary: R350,000 per month
Central midfielder Sipho Mbule is one of Sundowns' most valuable players. He started his youth career in 2013 at Harmony Sports Academy alongside Teboho Mokoena.
Mbule made his senior debut for SuperSport United in August 2017. He has trained with the SA's under-17 national team and played for the country in the under-20, under-23, and senior international teams.
Sipho Mbule's Sundowns' salary is guesstimated at R350,000. He transferred to Sekhukhune United on loan in September 2024 and will return to Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2025.
9. Kermit Erasmus - R350,000
- Full name: Kermit Romeo Erasmus
- Born: 8 July 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Gqeberha, South Africa
- Current team: Without Club
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.71 meters (5 feet 7 inches)
- Salary: R350,000 per month
South African soccer fans call Kermit Erasmus “The Frog” because of his small stature. They often compare him to the Muppets' character, "Kermit the Frog.” Online sources speculate Kermit Erasmus' salary at Orlando Pirates was R350,000 monthly.
He was linked with a move to Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United in July 2024 and was spotted at Cape Town Spurs in October 2024 as his search for a new club continues.
10. Mosa Lebusa - R300,000
- Full name: Mosa Lebusa
- Born: 10 October 1992
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Welkom, South Africa
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.83 meters (6 feet 1 inch)
- Salary: R300,000 per month
Lebusa trained at Ajax Cape Town. The multi-talented footballer joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018. Mosa Lebusa comfortably plays center-back or left-back. He has been capped for Bafana Bafana six times. Lebusa is reported to be earning R300,000 per month.
11. Ashley Du Preez - R300,000
- Full name: Ashley Du Preez
- Born: 16 July 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches)
- Salary: R300,000 per month
Ashley Du Preez's monthly salary at the Kaizer Chiefs is around R290,000. The soccer forward has excellent game insight and ball-striking ability. Ashley Du Preez is also good at creating scoring opportunities for his team.
12. Gaston Sirino - R300,000
- Full name: Leandro Gastón Sirino Rodríguez
- Born: 22 February 1991
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.66 meters (5 feet 5 inches)
- Salary: R300,000 per month
Midfielder Gaston Sirino was among the highest-paid Mamelodi Sundowns players. His monthly salary is alleged to be R300,000, which could be more or slightly less at his new club. In August 2024, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the arrival of Gaston Sirino on a free transfer. He signed a two-year deal after six years at Mamelodi Sundowns.
13. Yusuf Maart - R300,000
- Full name: Moegamat Yusuf Maart
- Born: 17 July 1995
- Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Western Cape, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches)
- Salary: R300,000 per month
Yusuf Maart's monthly salary at Kaizer Chiefs is reportedly R300,000. He was scouted by Orlando Pirates in 2016 but made his first team debut on 12 March 2017. Yusuf Maart also played for Cape Umoya United and Sekhukhune United before signing with Kaizer Chiefs in 2022.
14. Abubeker Nassir - R290,000
- Full name: Abubeker Nassir Ahmed
- Born: 23 February 2000
- Age: 24 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch)
- Salary: R290,000 per month
Ethiopian footballer Abubeker Nassir earns R290,000 per month at Mamelodi Sundowns. He previously played for Ethiopian Coffee SC in the Ethiopian Premier League. Clubs and teams from Algeria, Egypt, Tanzania, and lower divisions of Spanish football kept an eye on him. Both Kaizer Chiefs and the Sundowns reportedly wanted Nassir in 2021.
15. Themba Zwane - R250,000
- Full name: Themba Zwane
- Born: 3 August 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Tembisa, South Africa
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.79 meters (5 feet 10 inches)
- Salary: R250,000 per month
Mamelodi Sundowns pays Themba Zwane R250,000 per month. The attacking midfielder, also known as Mshishi and Shikabala, is among the highest-paid soccer players in the South African premier league.
16. Mothobi Mvala - R250,000
- Full name: Mothobi Mvala
- Born: 14 June 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.76 meters (5 feet 9 inches)
- Salary: R250,000 per month
Midfielder Mothobi Mvala makes R250,000 per month at Mamelodi Sundowns. He has also represented SA internationally as a Bafana Bafana central midfielder. Mvala was part of Bafana's squad that played in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
17. Eric Mathoho - R220,000
- Full name: Eric "Tower" Mathoho
- Born: 1 March 1990
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Tshiombo, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Current team: Without Club
- Position: Defender
- Salary: R220,000 per month
Central defender Eric Mathoho was with the Kaizer Chiefs for almost a decade. He and Daniel Cardoso established a strong defense at Bloemfontein Celtic (now called Royal AM). Mathoho played for Bloemfontein Celtic between 2009 and 2012. His R220,000 monthly salary at Kaizer Chiefs made him one of the best-paid players in South Africa's PSL.
18. Evidence Makgopa - R200,000
- Full name: Evidence Makgopa
- Born: 5 June 2000
- Age: 24 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: GaMampane, South Africa
- Current team: Orlando Pirates
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches)
- Salary: R200,000 per month
Orlando Pirates pays Evidence Makgopa around R200,000 per month. The footballer also plays for the South African national team and was part of the under-23 team that represented his home country at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
19. Fortune Makaringe - R185,000
- Full name: Fortune Makaringe
- Born: 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Current team: Cape Town City
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
- Salary: R185,000 per month
Fortune Makaringe's salary at Orlando Pirates was about R185,000 per month. He might earn more or less at his new team, Cape Town City. The midfielder signed for Orlando Pirates in the summer of 2019. In July 2024, Fortune Makaringe moved to Cape Town City having signed a three-year deal.
20. Maliele Vincent Pule - R170,000
- Full name: Maliele Vincent Pule
- Born: 10 March 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: QwaQwa, South Africa
- Current team: SuperSport United
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches)
- Salary: R170,000 per month
Maliele Vincent Pule's monthly salary at Orlando Pirates was around R170,000. He might earn more than this at SuperSport United. Maliele Vincent left Orlando Pirates in July 2024 after 146 appearances, 14 assists, and 24 goals in all competitions.
21. Thembinkosi Lorch - R165,000
- Full name: Thembinkosi "Nyoso" Lorch
- Born: 22 July 1993
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 1.67 meters (5 feet 6 inches)
- Salary: R165,000 per month
Thembinkosi Lorch's salary is around R165,000 per month. The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder was named the South African Player of the Season and the Players' Player of the Season in 2019. Thembinkosi Lorch also plays for the South African national team.
22. Reeve Frosler - R150,000
- Full name: Reeve Peter Frosler
- Born: 11 January 1998
- Age: 26 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Gqeberha, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches)
- Salary: R150,000 per month
Reeve Frosler's salary is estimated to be R150,000 a month. He started his career as a winger in the Bidvest Wits academy before coach Gavin Hunt converted his position to a full-back. Reeve Frosler joined Kaizer Chiefs on the transfer deadline in January 2019 after an agreement was reached with Wits.
23. Ranga Chivaviro - R150,000
- Full name: Ranga Chivaviro
- Born: 21 November 1992
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Limpopo, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.8 meters (5 feet 10.87 inches)
- Salary: R150,000 per month
Ranga Chivaviro reportedly earns around R150,000 per month. He was born in Limpopo to a South African mother and a Zimbabwean father. Ranga Chivaviro has exceptional ability to shoot accurately and with power is essential for converting goal-scoring opportunities.
24. Dillon Solomons - R120,000
- Full name: Dillan Solomons
- Born: 30 May 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Steenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches)
- Salary: R120,000 per month
Dillon Solomons' monthly salary is around R120,000. His technical skills enable him to execute precise tackles efficiently, intercept passes, and maintain control under pressure. As a young player, Dillon Solomons participated in athletics, namely sprints, long jumps, and triple jumps.
25. Edmilson Dove - R105,000
- Full name: Edmilson Gabriel Dove
- Born: 18 July 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Xai-Xai, Mozambique
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.8 meters (5 feet 10.87 inches)
- Salary: R105,000 per month
Edmilson Dove’s monthly salary at AmaKhosa is around R105,000. He primarily plays as a defender but can also play as a midfielder. In addition to Kaizer Chiefs, Edmilson Dove plays for Mozambique's national team.
Who is the highest-paid player in PSL per month?
Samir Nurkovic tops the list of the highest-paid South African premier division players, with a monthly salary of around R930,000 from his former club, TS Galaxy. SuperSport United are set to sign the striker, who is currently a free agent.
Who are the top 10 highest-paid soccer players in South Africa?
The estimated monthly salaries of PSL's highest-paid players in South Africa are:
- Samir Nurkovic - R930,000
- Deon Hotto - R500,000
- Itumeleng Khune - R480,000
- Thapelo Morena - R400,000
- Brian Onyango - R380,000
- Zitha Macheke - R370,000
- Erwin Saavedra - R350,000
- Sipho Mbule - R350,000
- Kermit Erasmus - R350,000
- Mosa Lebusa - R300,000
How much does Lorch earn monthly?
Thembinkosi "Nyoso" Lorch used to earn around R165,000 monthly at Orlando Pirates. The South African attacking midfielder is believed to take home the exact figure or more at his new team, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Who is the highest-paid player at Kaizer Chiefs?
Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is the club's highest-paid player right now after the departure of Keagan Dolly, Samir Nurkovic, and Khama Billiat. Their salaries were higher than Khune's.
Who is the highest-paid player in Orlando Pirates?
Deon Hotto is Orlando Pirates' highest-paid player, with an R500,000 monthly salary.
What is the PSL players' salary in 2024?
Soccer players on South Africa's DStv premiership entry level earn R7,500 to R15,000. They are usually young players in the academy still training to be professional footballers.
What is the average salary of a PSL player in South Africa?
On average, a South African league player's salary is R215,617 at entry-level (1-3 years of experience). A senior soccer player (8 years of experience and more) earns R356,288 monthly salary.
How much does PSL pay every team monthly?
South Africa's PSL clubs receive R2 million monthly plus up to R10 million annually in service fees (R30 million total). First Division clubs get R500,000 plus up to R3 million annually in service fees (R8 million in total).
Which PSL players are broke?
Philemon Masinga, Thembinkosi "Terror" Fanteni, and Junaid Hartley are among the many South African PSL players who are broke.
How many foreign players are allowed in PSL?
South African soccer clubs playing in the PSL can only register a maximum number of five foreign players.
What is Lyle Foster's salary?
South African footballer Lyle Foster earns an average annual salary of $1,040,000 (around R18,078,164). He signed a five-year contract worth $5,200,000 with Burnley FC, an English football club in the EFL Championship.
What is Percy Tau's salary?
South African footballer Percy Tau earns around R20,971,981,00 per year at Al Ahly, an Egyptian Premier League club. Tau began his footballing career with South Africa's PSL club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Most of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa are Mzansi nationals. The country welcomes players from the continent to participate in the DStv Premiership league under South African clubs. As a result, South Africa has many foreign footballers earning handsomely in the PSL.
Briefly.co.za ranked South Africa's wealthiest millionaires by their current net worth. Most SA millionaires made their fortunes from financial and professional services.
Millionaires usually live in wealth-concentrated Johannesburg suburbs like Sandhurst, Hyde Park, and West Cliff. They are also in Cape Town's Clifton, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, and Camps Bay suburbs.
Source: Briefly News
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