20 highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates and salary list

20 highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates and salary list

Orlando Pirates, which has been around since 1937, is arguably one of the top successful clubs in the South African Premier League. It's also one of two South African clubs to have won the CAF Champions League. With a set of talented players in the club, who are the highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates?

Orlando Pirates' players react during the Nedbank Cup Last 32 football match
Orlando Pirates' players react during the Nedbank Cup Last 32 football match between Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Orlando Pirates is one of the highest-paying clubs in South Africa.
  • The club generates revenue through various commercial partnerships, including Vodacom, Adidas, and Suzuki South Africa.
  • Deon Hotto is arguably the top-paid footballer in the club, earning around R500,000 a month.
  • Other top earners are Kermit Erasmus, Richard Ofori, and Wayne Sandilands.

Highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates, no doubt, has some of the best players on its team. While all of them are well catered to, some perform exceptionally well and earn more than others. Below is a list of the highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates as of 2026.

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Ranking

Player's name

Salary in R

1

Deon Hotto Kavendji

R500,000 per month

2

Kermit Erasmus

R350,000 per month

3

Richard Ofori

R300,000 per month

4

Wayne Sandilands

R250,000 per month

5

Evidence Makgopa

R200,000 per month

6

Fortune Makaringe

R185,000 per month

7

Maliele Vincent Pule

R170,000 per month

8

Thembinkosi Lorch

R165,000 per month

9

Bienvenu Eva Nga

R160,000 per month

10

Terrence Dzvukamanja

R150,000 per month

11

Goodman Mosele

R150,000 per month

12

Zakhele Lepasa

R150,000 per month

13

Innocent Maela

R150,000 per month

14

Thabang Monare

R150,000 per month

15

Miguel Timm

R120,000 per month

16

Tshegofatso Mabasa

R120,000 per month

17

Olisa Ndah

R107,000 per month

18

Tapelo Xoki

R100,000 per month

19

Collins Makgaka

R100,000 per month

20

Relebohile Mofokeng

R80,000 - R100,000 per month

Note that this list may be subjective, as individual figures can vary depending on the terms and agreements in the contracts. It is also worth noting that the list includes footballers who have earned the highest amounts while playing for Orlando Pirates at whatever point in their careers. Some may have already left the team.

20. Relebohile Mofokeng - R80,000 - R100,000 per month

  • Full name: Relebohile Mofokeng
  • Date of birth: 23 October 2004
  • Place of birth: Sharpeville, Vereeniging, South Africa

Footballer Relebohile Mofokeng is a well-known South African midfielder and winger who plays for the Orlando Pirates and South Africa's national team. He ranks 20th on the Orlando Pirates' players' salary list in 2026. Mofokeng made his first team debut for Orlando Pirates in the 2022-23 season. His salary is estimated to be between R80,000 and R100,000 per month.

19. Collins Makgaka - R100,000 per month

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Collins Makgaka is an ardent Teko Modise fan
Collins Makgaka is an ardent Teko Modise fan. Photo: @The_Real_Tumelo
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Collins Makgaka
  • Date of birth: 28 June 1996
  • Place of birth: Marble Hall, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Collins Makgaka started his amateur football career in 2007 with Try-Again FC. He was spotted in 2014 while playing for FC Kodi White Doves. He made his professional debut in the NFD during a match against Moroka Swallows before signing with Orlando Pirates in 2020.

Collins Makgaka's dexterity as a midfielder has contributed to the club's success. Hence, he earned a monthly salary of R100,00 during his time at the Orlando Pirates.

18. Tapelo Xoki - R100,000 per month

Tapelo Xoki during an official photo call
Tapelo was his team's captain before joining Orlando Pirates. Photo: Tshepo Sammy
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Tapelo Xoki
  • Date of birth: 10 April 1995
  • Place of birth: Khayelitsha, South Africa

Football Tapelo Xoki played for Cape Town Liverpool before joining Old Mutual Academy in 2012. He joined AmaZulu in 2014 and signed his first professional contract. He moved to Orlando Pirates in June 2022, and his contract earned him a monthly salary worth R100,000.

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17. Olisa Ndah - R107,000 per month

Olisa Ndah in the field
Olisa Ndah in the field. Photo: Just Jamal
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Olisa Harold Ndah
  • Date of birth: 21 January 1998
  • Place of birth: Asaba, Nigeria

Olisa joined the Nigeria Premier League side Remo Stars during the 2018/19 season on a two-year contract. He later joined Akwa United for two years and won the Nigerian Professional Football League title.

He joined Orlando Pirates in August 2021, and his stellar performance contributed significantly to the club's success in the 2021/22 season. He earned a monthly salary of R107,000 during his life in the team.

16. Tshegofatso Mabasa - R120,000 per month

  • Full name: Tshegofatso John Mabaso
  • Date of birth: 1 October 1996
  • Place of birth: Botshabelo, South Africa

Tshegofatso Mabasa's professional career dates back to 2014, when he signed for the Bloemfontein Celtics. He joined his childhood club, The Buccaneers, in 2019 and has been playing his way into the fans' hearts. The forward's monthly paycheck is R120,000.

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15. Miguel Timm - R120,000 per month

Miguel Timm is seen on the field
Miguel Timm is seen on the field. Photo: Diski Times
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Miguel Timm
  • Date of birth: 31 January 1992
  • Place of birth: Durban, South Africa

Miguel Timm's youth career started in Mondeor, Johannesburg, before he attracted the attention of Orlando Pirates and Supersport United FC academies. He had a brief stint with Orlando Pirates FC U-12s before joining Ajax Cape Town FC's development.

Miguel had his professional career debut at Bidvest Wits FC in 2011. He joined Mpumalanga Black Aces FC in 2014. Timm joined the United States Phoenix Rising between 2016 and 2018. Miguel Timm returned to SA and played for Maritzburg United, Chippa United and Maruma Gallants. Miguel won the 2022 MTN 8 with Orlando Pirates. His salary at the club was R120,000 per month.

14. Thabang Monare - R150,000 per month

Highest paid footballers
Besides football, Thabang has an interest in fashion. Photo: @soccerzela
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Thabang Amod Monare
  • Date of birth: 16 September 1989
  • Place of birth: Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, South Africa

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Thabang was spotted playing for a local academy before AmaTuks FC offered him a chance to debut professionally. The centre midfield later moved to Bidvest Wits for four seasons, culminating in him lifting the Nedbank Cup title and league title. Thabang Monare moved to Orlando Pirates in 2020, and his unbeatable winning mentality drives his passion to achieve success with the Buccaneers. He earned a monthly salary of R150,000 at Thabang Monare.

13. Innocent Maela - R150,000 per month

Orlando Pirates' Innocent Maela kicks the ball during the football match opposing Orlando Pirates to Bidvest Wits at Milpark Soccer Stadium in Johannesburg
Orlando Pirates' Innocent Maela kicks the ball during the football match opposing Orlando Pirates to Bidvest Wits at Milpark Soccer Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Stringer
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Innocent Maela
  • Date of birth: 14 August 1992
  • Place of birth: Witbank, South Africa‎

Footballer Innocent Maela has become one of the most versatile defenders in the ABSA Premier League. He joined the Pirates in 2017 while playing a significant role in the Bafana Bafana team. He walks home with R150,000 every month, which is about R1.8 million per year.

12. Zakhele Lepasa - R150,000 per month

Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa runs with the ball during the Premier Soccer League football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg
Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa runs with the ball during the Premier Soccer League football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Zakhele Lerato Lepasa
  • Date of birth: 19 March 1997
  • Place of birth: Soweto, South Africa

Zakhele Lepasa is a centre forward for the Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. He began his career at Orlando Pirates in 2018. He later joined Stellenbosch on loan; after four league appearances, he switched to TS Galaxy. Zakhele Lepasa later returned to Orlando, and his monthly salary is estimated at R150,000.

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11. Goodman Mosele - R150,000 per month

Goodman Mosele on the field
Goodman Mosele on the field. Photo: Yaw Ampofo
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Goodman Mosele
  • Date of birth: 18 November 1999
  • Place of birth: Khuma, South Africa

Probably one of the youngest players in the Premier Soccer League, Goodman Mosele believes he was born to play football. He graduated from the Augusto Palacios Academy in 2017 and joined the Orlando Pirates Development structure.

Mosele made his professional debut in the 2020/2021 season, and his determination to engrave his name in the club's history is insatiable. As a midfielder at Orlando Pirates, Mosele is entitled to a monthly salary of R150,000. Goodman is currently playing for Chippa United, on loan from Orlando Pirates.

10. Terrence Dzvukamanja - R150,000 per month

  • Full name: Terrence Dzvukamanja
  • Date of birth: 5 March 1994
  • Place of birth: Chegutu, Zimbabwe

Terrence Dzvukamanja started his professional football career in 2016. Not long after, he was spotted and signed by Bidvest Wits, making his debut in the South African football scene. After two years of affiliation with The Clever Boys, Terrence joined Orlando Pirates in 2020. His high ambitions and commitment have significantly contributed to the club's success. His monthly salary in the team was R150,000.

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9. Bienvenu Eva Nga - R160,000 per month

Bienvenu Eva Nga is seen on the field
Bienvenu Eva Nga is seen on the field. Photo: Diski Times
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Bienvenu Eva Nga
  • Date of birth: 17 February 1993
  • Place of birth: Cameroon

Nga joined the Amora and Moçambola club Costa Do Sol in January 2019. He signed for the South African Premier Division side Bidvest Wits in January 2020. Fourteen league appearances and two goals later, he was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila before subsequently joining Chippa United.

Orlando United snapped up Nga in the offseason preceding the 2022/23 campaign. He described joining the Buccaneers as an exciting career opportunity and plans to put his best foot forward. As one of the highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates, Bienvenu Eva Nga raked in a decent monthly salary of R160,000.

8. Thembinkosi Lorch - R165,000 per month

Pirates Thembinkosi Lorch controls the ball during the CAF Confederation Cup second leg semi-final football match between South Africas Orlando Pirates and Libyas Al Ahly Tripoli
Pirates Thembinkosi Lorch controls the ball during the CAF Confederation Cup second leg semi-final football match between South Africas Orlando Pirates and Libyas Al Ahly Tripoli. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Thembinkosi Lorch
  • Date of birth: 22 July 1993
  • Place of birth: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Thembinkosi Lorch played in the midfield for both the Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana. He was a valued member of the Pirate squad. Lorch's salary was estimated to be R165,000 monthly. In 2019, Thembinkosi Lorch was one of the top 10 highest-paid players at Orlando Pirates and was named the South African Player of the Season. He was also declared Players' Player of the Season.

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7. Maliele Vincent Pule - R170,000 per month

  • Full name: Maliele Vincent Pule
  • Date of birth: 10 March 1992
  • Place of birth: QwaQwa, Free State, South Africa

Footballer Maliele Vincent Pule is popularly known as Shuffle. The free-kick specialist started his career kicking balls around on the South African streets of QwaQwa. The management of the African Warriors spotted his talent and signed him.

Vincent Pule went on to play for Bidvest Wits for four seasons before signing for Orlando Pirates in 2018. He was doing his part to ensure the Buccaneers are a force to reckon with in the ABSA premier league. Vincent Pule's salary at Pirates was alleged to be R170,000 monthly.

6. Fortune Makaringe - R185,000 per month

  • Full name: Fortune Makaringe
  • Date of birth: 13 May 1993
  • Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa

The midfielder joined the Orlando Pirates from Maritzburg United in 2019. He has been playing for the South African National team since 2018, which proves his wealth of experience. Fortune's annual salary at Orlando amounted to about R2.22 million. The Buccaneers were paying him R185,000 every month.

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5. Evidence Makgopa - R200,000 per month

Evidence Makgop celebrates after scoring their side's second goal
Evidence Makgop celebrates after scoring their side's second goal. Photo: Buda Mendes
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Evidence Makgopa
  • Date of birth: 5 June 2000
  • Place of birth: GaMampa, South Africa

Evidence Makgopa is one of the top 5 highest-paid players at Orlando Pirates in 2026. He plays as a centre-forward for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. Evidence played for South Africa's under-23 team in the 2020 Summer Olympics. He first played for Baroka in 2018. Evidence Makgopa's salary is alleged to be R200,000 per month.

4. Wayne Sandilands - R250,000 per month

Wayne Sandilands is seen on the field
Wayne Sandilands is seen on the field. Photo: MaNtuli Porsche
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Wayne Sandilands
  • Date of birth: 23 August 1983
  • Place of birth: Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa

Wayne Sandilands' football career as a goalkeeper spans close to two decades. He spoke highly of the new opportunity during his first news conference after joining Orlando Pirates. He also mentioned how pressuring wearing the black and white uniform would be.

Wayne Sandilands had several championships, including the CAF Championships League and the Absa Premiership titles, thanks to his dexterity. He enjoyed a monthly salary of R250,000 at Pirates. Wayne Sandilands recently got his goalkeeper coaching qualification.

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3. Richard Ofori - R300,000 per month

Goalkeeper Richard Ofori on the field
Goalkeeper Richard Ofori on the field. Photo: Fred Kfoury
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Richard Ofori
  • Date of birth: 1 November 1993
  • Place of birth: Accra, Ghana

Goalkeeper Richard Ofori was one of the highest-paid members of the Buccaneers. The Ghanaian joined the team in 2020 from Maritzburg United. He signed a three-year deal with a monthly salary of about R300,000 at Pirates. Richard Ofori has since left the team.

2. Kermit Erasmus - R350,000 per month

Kermit Erasmus of the Pirates celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa
Kermit Erasmus of the Pirates celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. Photo: Lefty Shivambu
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kermit Romeo Erasmus
  • Date of birth: 8 July 1990
  • Place of birth: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Kermit Erasmus began his professional career in 2007 with SuperSport United. He spent two seasons in the Netherlands with Feyenoord and Excelsior before returning to SuperSport United. On 23 September 2022, he returned to Orlando Pirates on a two-year deal from Mamelodi Sundowns. Kermit Erasmus' salary was alleged to be R350,000 per month.

1. Deon Hotto Kavendji - R500,000 per month

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Deon Daniel Hotto of Namibia during the African Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Namibia at the Al Salam stadium in Cairo, Egypt
Deon Daniel Hotto of Namibia during the African Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Namibia at the Al Salam stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Deon Hotto Kavendji
  • Date of birth: 29 October 1990
  • Place of birth: Swakopmund, Namibia

Deon Hotto is a Namibian footballer and one of the most valuable South African Premier League footballers, which his salary reflects. He is dubbed as one of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa.

The Pirates offered to give him over double his R200,000 monthly salary at Bidvest Wits. Hence, every month, Deon takes home R500,000, making him the highest-paid player in Orlando Pirates in 2026. This translates into R6 million yearly.

How much is Mohau Nkota's salary at Pirates?

Mohau Nkota has not publicly disclosed his salary while at Orlando Pirates.

How much is Relebogile Mofokeng's salary?

Relebogile Mofokeng's salary is between R45,000 and R120,000 per month at Orlando Pirates.

How much does Mbokazi earn per month at Orlando Pirates?

Not long ago, Mbekezeli Mbokazi was finalizing a move to Chicago Fire in the MLS for a $3 million (R52 million) deal. His exact monthly salary while at Orlando Pirates was not publicly disclosed.

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How much is Hotto earning at Pirates?

Deon Hotto Kavendji takes home about R500,000 per month at Pirates.

What is Monnapule Saleng's salary?

Monnapule received a monthly salary of R70,000. He began his career in the SAFA Second Division with Orbit College. He joined the Orlando Pirates in 2021, left on loan, and then returned to the Pirates for the 2022-23 season. He now plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

How much is Orlando Pirates FC worth?

Orlando Pirates FC is considered one of the richest football clubs in South Africa, with a net worth of approximately R325.9 million. As one of the giant clubs in the country, Orlando Pirates has won several leagues, including the Premier Soccer League four times, the National Soccer League once and the National Professional Soccer League four times as well.

The highest-paid players at Orlando Pirates takes home a good sum. The club is one of the one of the best-paying football teams in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL). Namibian midfielder Deon Hotto remains the top-paid footballer in the club, earning around R500,000 a month as of 2026.

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Highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the South African national cricket team players. South African national cricket team players are known for their skills in all game formats, including ODI, Test, and T20 International. Several of the country's cricketers have been making waves in other countries like England and New Zealand.

One hundred and four countries play international cricket, but only 12 have full ICC membership, including South Africa. Mzansi started playing cricket towards the end of the 19th century. The team gained full International Cricket Council membership status in 1909.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Priscillah Mueni avatar

Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: pshmueni@gmail.com

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Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques in 2023. In 2024, she pursued further skill growth via the Google News Initiative training program on Fighting Misinformation. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.