Minister Gayton McKenzie Explains R5 Million Advance to Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana

Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has addressed the concerns surrounding the non-payment of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana players, revealing that the department has advanced R5 million to the South African Football Association (SAFA) to ensure that players receive their salaries ahead of the festive season.

The issue of unpaid players first came to light in November, with KickOff.com reporting that Bafana Bafana had not been compensated for their last three training camps. This led to frustration among both the male and female national teams, as subsequent reports also revealed that Banyana Banyana, too, had not been paid for their efforts.

In a statement issued by McKenzie on Thursday, the Minister confirmed that R5 million will be provided to SAFA as an advance to resolve the payment issue. This sum will be deducted from the association’s 2025 financial year grant allocation.

“Following reports that the South African Football Association [SAFA] has become cash-strapped to pay player salaries ahead of the festive season, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture [DSAC] has decided to advance the federation with R5 million,” the statement read.

McKenzie further emphasized the importance of ensuring that the players, who have made the nation proud through their performances, are not left unpaid during this time. He praised both teams for their achievements, highlighting Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and the upcoming challenges they will face, as well as Banyana Banyana’s victory at the African Women’s Championship in 2022 and their impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

“Players should not go into the festive season without payment, especially since they have done the country proud,” said McKenzie. “We need Bafana Bafana to focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup and Banyana Banyana to continue leading the way for women’s football.”

In addition to the financial advance, McKenzie took to social media, expressing his frustration at the players’ situation and reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting them.

“I couldn’t sit and watch our players not being paid over festive. We advanced 5 million rand to be used to pay all Bafana & Banyana players, including their bonuses. We also demanded a turnaround strategy from SAFA, our players made us proud,” McKenzie posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This decision is part of the government’s broader effort to support South Africa’s national teams as they continue to inspire and perform on the international stage. With both teams excelling in their respective competitions, the R5 million advance seeks to ensure that financial challenges do not distract from their focus and future successes.