As the 2023-2024 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season reached its end, the spotlight has turned to the financial side of the game, with Kaizer Chiefs’ salary structure coming under scrutiny.
While Kaizer Chiefs’ salary structure remains one of the highest in the league, it is clear that the club’s rivals are also investing heavily in their squads to remain competitive.
The salary breakdown of Kaizer Chiefs and their Premier Soccer League rivals highlights the financial muscle of South Africa’s football giants.
As the country’s most successful and popular club, Kaizer Chiefs have long maintained a salary structure that reflects their status and ambition.
With top earners like Itumeleng Khune, Yusuf Maart, and Ashley du Preez commanding salaries in the R300,000–R480,000 per month range, the Amakhosi have been able to attract and retain some of the league’s biggest stars.
This financial clout has undoubtedly contributed to their sustained success over the years.
As the 2023-2024 season is now the past, it will be interesting to see how these salary structures evolve and how they impact the on-field performances of the various PSL clubs.
How do the Amakhosi’s player salaries compare to those of their top 10-flight rivals?
1. Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most successful and popular clubs in South African football, have a salary structure that reflects their stature.
According to reports, the club’s highest-paid player is veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who earns a reported R480,000 per month.
Other top earners include midfielder Yusuf Maart and striker Ashley du Preez, both of whom are said to be on around R300,000 per month.
2. Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs’ fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates, are also known for their deep pockets.
The Buccaneers’ highest-paid player is reported to be midfielder Deon Hotto, who earns a reported R500,000 per month. Key player like Innocent Maela is also believed to be on salaries in the R200,000–R250,000 range.
3. Mamelodi Sundowns
The reigning PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have a salary structure that is among the highest in the league.
Their star player, Ronwen Williams, is said to be earning a staggering R500,000 per month, making him one of the best-paid players in the country.
Notably, Other high-earners at Mamelodi Sundowns include Marcelo Allende and Peter Shalulile, both of whom are also reportedly on around R430,000 per month.
4. SuperSport United
SuperSport United, while not as financially powerful as the Soweto giants, still manage to attract top talent with competitive salaries.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be striker Bradley Grobler, who earns around R110,000 per month.
5. AmaZulu FC
AmaZulu FC, one of the surprise packages of the 2023-2024 season, have a relatively modest salary structure compared to the league’s heavyweights.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be midfielder George Maluleka, who earns around R320,000 per month.
6. Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC, the Western Cape-based club, have a salary structure that is more in line with their status as a relatively new entrant to the PSL.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be midfielder Devin Titus, who earns around R100,000 per month.
7. Cape Town City
Cape Town City, another club with a strong presence in the Mother City, have a salary structure that is comparable to Stellenbosch FC’s.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be Thabo Nodada, who earns around R120,000 per month.
8. Lamontville Golden Arrows
Lamontville Golden Arrows, the Durban-based club, have a relatively modest salary structure compared to the league’s heavyweights.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe, who earns around R100,000 per month.
9. Sekhukhune United
Sekhukhune United, the newest club in the PSL, have a salary structure that reflects their status as a relatively young and ambitious team.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be Linda Mntambo, who earns around R150,000 per month.
10. Moroka Swallows
Moroka Swallows, the historic Soweto club, have a salary structure that is more in line with their mid-table status in the PSL.
Their highest-paid player is reported to be Andile Jali who earns around R550,000 per month.
Conclusively, As Kaizer Chiefs looks ahead to the 2025 season, the club faces the challenge of balancing its wage structure while rewarding its top performing players.
Based on their current salaries in 2024, several Amakhosi stars are poised to receive significant raises that reflect their importance to the team.