Keagan Dolly is currently the highest-paid football player in South Africa, earning R1.45 million per month, more than anyone else in the DStv Premiership. He recently joined Kaizer Chiefs, who made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, bringing him back home to play in Naturena.
Who’s the highest-paid soccer player in the Dstv PSL right now? Today, we’ll look at the top ten highest-paid soccer players in South Africa.
With its growing popularity and presence, the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) has firmly established itself as one of Africa’s most prestigious football leagues.
Not only is it broadcast live on DSTV Sports Network but is also enjoyed by a vast fan base across the continent.
This recognition has allowed PSL players to be among the highest-paid athletes in Africa with salaries just trailing behind those earned by Egyptian players.
Other countries such as Tunisia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Nigeria are also able to boast similarly strong salaries for their domestic footballers.
Despite this, there remains debate surrounding the pay that goes to PSL’s elite footballers which has in turn led to a diminished influx of talent from outside Europe seeking much sought-after wealth and fame through playing in South Africa’s top flight of football.
That being said due to SuperSports broadcasting of matches fans all around the world can now follow their favourite teams home or away no matter where they are located – bringing an element of international recognition and prosperity stemming from this growth domestically within South Africa.
Highest Paid Football Players in South Africa
1. Keagan Dolly Salary is R1,450,000/Month
Dolly is the highest-paid player in the PSL by a wide margin! The new Kaizer Chiefs player earns R1.45 million each month, more than half a million more than anybody else in the DStv Premiership!
Kaizer Chiefs made him an irresistible offer, forcing him to return home, only this time to play in Naturena. He moved to Soweto from Montpellier FC, where he earned an estimated R600,000 per month.
Dolly is presently the only player in South Africa earning more than R1 million each month.
2. Khama Billiat Salary is R830,000/Month
Khama Billiat is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. He also represents Zimbabwe on a global scale.
He returned to his birthplace of Harare, Zimbabwe, where he was born in 1990 and now resides, after joining CAPS United in 2010.
Later that year, he relocated to South Africa, where he played for Ajax Cape Town from 2013 to 2018, Mamelodi Sundowns from 2013 to 2018, and Kaizer Chiefs from 2013 to 2018.
According to his agency, Khama Billiat’s monthly income is expected to be R830,000 in Rands.
3. Bongani Zungu Salary is R700,000/Month
Bongani Zungu has established himself as one of the most accomplished soccer players from South Africa.
Having started his career at a young age, Zungu has continually improved and developed into an outstanding midfielder.
In January 2016, Steve Kapeluschnik – Zungu’s agent – announced that the player would be joining the Portuguese team Vitória de Guimares when his current contract ended shortly thereafter.
He then moved to a French club Amiens before making a loan move to Scottish giant Rangers in October 2020, with Rangers having the option of signing him permanently for £2.7 million.
However, during February 2021 in the United Kingdom’s COVID-19 lockdown period, Zungu’s name was brought up in news reports as he violated restrictions by attending an unlawful gathering of 10 people in a flat which resulted in police issuing punishments against Zungu and four other Rangers teammates.
According to estimates, Bongani Zungu earns R700 000 per month playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, making him the highest-paid footballer there.
4. Andile Jali Monthly Salary is R550,000/Month
Andile Ernest Jali is a world-renowned South African footballer who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League and formidably represents the country’s national football team.
During his time with Orlando Pirates, Andile earned a monumental moment in South African football history with his contribution to the club’s illustrious triple win under renowned Dutch coach Ruud Krol.
His remarkable ability on the pitch quickly set him apart from the rest of the team, granting him recognition as a potential captain of Bafana Bafana, as well as attracting plaudits from esteemed pundits across Europe – who claimed he has what it takes to make it big in their leagues.
This sentiment is highly reflected in Andile’s own finances: earning an impressive R550 000 per month at Mamelodi Sundowns and being crowned their highest-paid player.
Not only is this indicative of his prowess on and off the field, but also serves testament to his track record of success within South Africa’s competitive soccer landscape.
5. Deon Hotto Salary is R500,000 Rands/Month
Deon Hotto is a renowned Namibian footballer who first began his professional career with the Blue Boys.
After dedicating several years of growth and development at the club, Deon moved to African Stars in his home country before taking his talents to Golden Arrows.
He then made his way back to South Africa where he joined Bidvest Wits and solidified himself as one of the team’s best players.
Finally, in 2020 he transferred to Orlando Pirates where he continues to impress on and off the pitch.
As recognition for his tremendous skill and undeniable potential, it was recently announced that Deon Hotto would be joining Orlando Pirates’ highest-paid player’s list by earning an impressive R500 000 Rands monthly salary.
This not only makes him one of the highest-paid footballers in South Africa’s Premier League but also puts him among some of the most well-paid players internationally due to his incredible output during these seasons.
His outstanding performance has even earned him a spot on Namibia’s national soccer team since 2013 – further cementing him as one of Africa’s esteemed talents.
6. Ronwen Williams Salary is R500,000/Month
Ronwen Williams is a professional soccer player who made his mark in South African football after joining Tottenham Hotspur’s youth team at the start of his career.
In 2004, he transferred to SuperSport United and by 2012, had established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the club.
His first two major matches were against Matlama FC in the CAF Champions League and Free State Stars in the Premier Soccer League, both of which ended successfully for him.
After 12 years with SuperSport United, Williams joined Mamelodi Sundowns club on July 21st 2022 where he was immediately impressed with a clean sheet against Cape Town City FC in his debut appearance.
Williams was estimated to be earning R500 000 Rand per month – making him one of Mamelodi Sundowns’ highest earners.
7. Itumeleng Khune Salary is R480,000/Month
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987, to Elias and Flora Khune. He is the youngest of six children. His father was an amateur football striker, thus some would argue he had football blood in him.
Khune, on the other hand, grew up with a love of cricket. Nicky Boje was his hero. Khune is regarded as one of the most wealthy PSL players.
He earns around R5,6 million each year. In addition to his excellent pay, he has a slew of endorsement deals and other sources of money.
This gives him a comfortable R21 million net worth.
Itumeleng Khune has a net worth of R21 million. His monthly income is R480 000 per month.
8. Denis Onyango Monthly Salary is R450,000/Month
Denis Onyango is a professional footballer from Uganda who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and captains the Ugandan Cranes international football team.
With more than 15 years of experience, Onyango has played in numerous countries including Uganda, Ethiopia and South Africa.
His net worth has grown significantly over recent years and it is estimated that he currently earns a salary of R450 000 per year, giving him an impressive net worth of around $ 5 million.
9. Marcelo Allende Salary is R430,000/Month
Marcelo Allende is a Chilean footballer who began his career as a youth with Cobreloa. After impressing spectators at the U-17 World Cup, Colo-Colo and Universidad de Chile saw Allende’s potential and attempted to sign him.
Eventually, in 2016, he moved to Deportes Santa Cruz of the Segunda División de Chile, where he made his debut against Naval and scored his first goal for their senior squad against Melipilla that same year.
Allende participated in a two-week trial with Arsenal in England and performed well enough for them to make an offer for a professional contract.
After passing further tests in April 2017, it was reported that Arsenal had offered Allende this contract although nothing materialised from this interest.
Later that same year, he signed a contract with Mexican club Necaxa and was loaned back to Santa Cruz until 2018 when the option emerged for him to join Mamelodi Sundowns FC – where according to Transfermarkt his transfer value is estimated at R28 million – which has meant tripling his salary from what he was previously receiving in Uruguay. Marcelo Allende’s salary at Mamelodi Sundowns is estimated at R430 000 Rand per month.
10. Kennedy Mweene Salary is R420,000/Month
Kennedy Mweene is an elite goalkeeper in African football. With 17 years of experience, he has proven himself to be a reliable force between the sticks and a veteran who coaches can always rely on.
His highly-regarded penalty-saving and penalty-taking abilities have been particularly impressive, contributing to his prestigious win of the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season title (best player in South Africa’s premier division) for the 2008-09 season and his selection as the best goalkeeper at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was so sought after by top spending clubs that Mamelodi Sundowns signed him up with a three-year contract worth R420 000 per month, making him one of the top-paid players at the club.
Since debuting for Zambia in 2004, Kennedy Mweene has become their first-choice goalkeeper and has competently featured in four different Africa Cup of Nations tournaments over this span: 2006 African Nations Cup, 2008 African Nations Cup, 2010 African Nations Cup, and 2012 African Nations Cup.
His most notable performance came when he denied Samuel Eto’o from twelve yards during the 2008 event before keeping a clean sheet against Cote d’Ivoire during Zambia’s 1-0 victory in the final – where Kennedy himself also successfully converted his own penalty kick during the shoot out.
11. Thapelo Morena Monthly Salary is R400,000/Month
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club is renowned for bringing in quality players to improve the team, recently signing Thapelo Morena as their most expensive player.
At a reported cost of R400,000 per month, Morena will be earning the same salary as Gaston Sirino – making them the joint-highest paid players at the club.
The 24-year-old right-back has played both locally and abroad for teams like Bloemfontein Celtic and Greek side Asteras Tripolis before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2019.
He brings a wealth of experience to the team from his extensive career playing professional football across multiple countries and it will be interesting to see how he enhances the current squad.
12. Gaston Sirino Monthly Salary is R400,000/Month
Gaston Leandro Sirino Rodriguez is a multi-faceted soccer player with impressive skills. The Uruguayan-born forward, who currently plays for South African Premier League club Mamelodi Sundowns
He is not only capable of playing in any position in the offensive line but also proves to be especially adept when taking the field out wide and cutting in on either his right or left foot.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, Gaston has made quite a name for himself, quickly becoming an established regular on the team roster; evidence of his hard work is his reward of 400 000 Rand per month salary.
13. Peter Shalulile Monthly Salary is R400,000/Month
Peter Shalulile is a professional footballer from the country of Namibia. After making his way up from the U-20 to the Senior Namibian National Soccer Team.
Peter achieved great success in 2015 as an instrumental member of the team’s COSAFA Cup wins; this trophy marked their first victory ever.
After such an impressive showing, he moved to Highlands Park in South Africa and continued to demonstrate his dedication and skill in both attack & defence.
Thanks to him, the club gained promotion into the top division when he scored two crucial goals at a Playoff match against Mbombela at Makhulong Stadium on Wednesday, June 15th 2016.
This feat caught the eye of South African football club Mamelodi Sundowns who signed him with a salary currently pegged at R400 000 (roughly US$30,000).
Peter frequents guest appearances as well and has now created a net worth of US$300 000 through his sweat & tears of being a footballer.
14. Brian Onyango Salary is R380,000/Month
Brian Onyango is a professional soccer player who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s premier football clubs.
He began his career in 2010 when he was signed by Posta Rangers, one of the top teams in Kenya’s premier division.
That same year he was picked up by another Kenyan powerhouse called Tusker, where he played until the end of 2011.
He then moved to Santos in 2012 and Maritzburg United in 2015 before signing a three-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of 2020.
Onyango brings with him international experience and is paid R380 000 per month for his services.
15. Zitha Kwinika Salary per month is R370,000/month
Zitha Kwinika’s career in football has been an impressive journey. He began his professional career with Kaizer Chiefs, being promoted to the team’s first squad in 2014.
From there, he went on loan to Chippa United during the summer of 2015 before signing a permanent two-year agreement with them at the end of 2016.
Later on, he was loaned out again to Thanda Royal Zulu where he had another successful season before joining Bidvest Wits for 24 appearances and ultimately returning home to South Africa and Stellenbosch FC for whom he became Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in 2021/22.
Ultimately, in July 2021, Kwinika successfully completed a transfer back to Kaizer Chiefs with a salary estimated at R370 000 per month.
16. Kermit Erasmus Salary is R350,000/Month
Kermit Erasmus is a South African football striker who has achieved great success since beginning his professional career in 2008.
He has played for top clubs across Europe as well as within South Africa, most notably with Orlando Pirates, for whom he now plays.
His impressive career has seen him amass an esteemed portfolio that includes a net worth of US$600,000 and a monthly salary of R350 000.
Erasmus began his professional career when he was picked up by Supersport United in 2008; which led to further transfer moves around Europe and finally south Africa.
It was while playing professionally that Erasmus made his national team debut during a friendly encounter against Zimbabwe that same year.
Since then he has continued dominating the sport and garnering the rewards of 15 years of experience.
17. Erwin Saavedra Salary is R350,000/Month
Erwin Mario Saavedra Flores is an acclaimed Bolivian footballer, currently playing for the Mamelodi Sundowns and the Bolivia national team in the DSTV Premiership.
His primary position is as a right midfielder, although he can also play right back if needed.
Manqoba Mngqithi, co-head coach of Sundowns, recently announced that they had agreed to a deal with Erwin’s current club Club Bolivar for his transfer cost ahead of the January transfer window.
While Bolivia was participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at this time, Mamelodi Sundowns has yet to confirm the news openly prior to Monday night when the window closed.
On acquiring Erwin, Masandawana reportedly paid a fee between R12 million and $800 000 – believed to be the highest value ever paid for any Bolivar player.
The 25-year-old enjoys one of the most respected wages at Mamelodi Sundowns where he earns a reported R350 000 per month.
18. Sipho Mbule Salary is R350,000/Month
At the age of 24, Sipho Mbule made a decision that will determine his professional soccer career.
After much speculation, it became apparent that he was likely to leave his current club SuperSport United FC – who paid him an estimated R350,000 Rands each month – and sign with South African heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs.
However, Mbule decided instead to join fellow top-tier side Mamelodi Sundowns in Chloorkop with a three-year deal.
The Chief Executive Officer of SuperSport United FC spoke out on the news expressing their regret to be losing such a great player at this stage of his career: “We are sorry to be losing a great player like Sipho, especially at his age where his best is yet to come”.
It is not known what salary Mbule will receive from Sundowns but no doubt fans of both clubs are eager for more information about the move and anxious to see what success awaits the young rising star in Naturena colours.