Football is a game played all over the world without exception in the African continent. Around here, South Africa stands out as one of the powerhouses of the “round leather game” as the nation has made giant strides in the football community both at home and abroad. This is all thanks to the unique crop of talented players the country keeps turning out. Without a doubt, these players get well rewarded for the work they do on the football pitch and many are even encouraged to take to the sports seeing the wealth and luxury they flaunt around.
Wealthiest South African Footballers
What We Considered: While many criteria can be used to draw up a list like this, we decided to prune our eligibles with a yardstick that enabled our top 15 to be closer to home than others. Thus, our key considerations were on:
- Home-based footballers – we handpicked footballers playing professionally in the South African Premier Division/DStv Premiership.
- National team call-up – we also considered players who have been called up and actually played in the national team – South Africa National Football Team (Bafana Bafana).
- Business Investments – we also took into consideration players that have set up successful businesses (as much as we found) and earn from their businesses in addition to their football earnings.
Just how much do you think the richest SA footballers worth? The least of this 15-man list is worth at least R2 million while the wealthiest has about R42 million at his disposal. For them to have earned this much, a lot has been put in place aside from their skills. They have also proven their worth severally to the admiration of their clubs, fans, and organizations affiliated with them.
15. Ronwen Williams
- Full Name: Ronwen Hayden Williams
- Net Worth: R2.8 million ($200, 000)
- Salary/Contract: Unknown
- Age: 31 years old
- Playing Position: Goalkeeper
- Club/s Played/Playing For: SuperSport United
- Active Since (Years): 2010
- No. of International Caps: 13
- No. of International Goals: 0
- Trophies Won: 2015, 2016 Nedbank Cup winner and MTN8 2017 Cup winner
Ronwen Williams is among the crop of South African youngsters who have already found a way into the national team. He is a goalie who began his youth football career playing for youth teams like Shatterprufe Rovers Tottenham Hotspur of England and SuperSport United. He turned professional in the year 2010 when Super Sports United offered him a contract. Since then, he has occasionally manned the net for the Matsatsantsa side.
The young footballer who has a market value of over R18 million has helped himself to a net worth of about R2.8 million. Though for now, it is not known what his other income sources are, it is believed that football is his main source of income.
Random Facts About Ronwen Williams
- He made his debut for South Africa on 5th March 2014 in a match against Brazil when first-choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune sprained his ankle and was substituted off.
- Ronwen comes from a family of footballers; one of his uncles was a goalkeeper, his mother used to play as a striker for Shatterproof Women FC, while his father was his first-ever coach.
- Ronwen was offered his first professional contract in 2009 just after finishing high school.
- Ronwen married his childhood sweetheart Roshni at age 20. They are now parents to a son.
- In May 2020, it was reported that assailants broke into his home and carted away valuables like football jerseys, bags, tracksuits, phones worth R5000, and two fashion bags worth R7000.
14. Lehlohonolo Majoro
- Full Name: Lehlohonolo Michael Majoro
- Net Worth: R4 million ($283, 000)
- Salary/Contract: Unkown
- Age: 37 years old
- Playing Position: Forward
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Kaizer Chiefs F.C, AmaZulu F.C, SuperSport United F.C, and Orlando Pirates F.C.
- Active Since (Years): 2005
- No. of International Caps: 10
- No. of International Goals: 2
- Trophies Won: PSL Champion (2012/13) and South African Cup Winner (2016/17)
Lehlohonolo currently plays as a forward for Amazulu F.C and the South African national team. He began his career as a youth playing for Mubs FC, later on, Kovsies FC and Manyatseng United Brothers where records of his youth career started. Other teams he played for as a youth include the University of the Free State (2006/07), Bloemfontein Young Tigers (2007-08), University of Johannesburg (2008–09), and Highlands Park (2009–10). As a professional footballer Majoro has rendered his services to various teams in the PSL listed above and he has also won some trophies.
Available records of his football career have it that the Ladybrand, Free State-born player is currently worth about R4.2 million or €250 000 in the transfer market. Back in 2017, he was worth twice his current value but even though he has seen a noticeable decline in his market value, his net worth of about R4 million stands him out as one of the richest footballers in SA. From what we gathered, football is not his only source of income as he co-owns a cosmetics brand known as Dream Cosmetics with some other top South African footballers. Lehlohonolo has posted a couple of pictures on his Instagram promoting the brand. Moreso, on the cosmetics line official Instagram page, he is boldly listed as a co-owner.
Random Facts About Lehlohonolo Majoro
- Lehlohonolo Majoro made an “official football career debut in a Vodacom Challenge match against Tottenham Hotspur of England. His team, Kaizer Chiefs won the match by a lone goal.
- In his official PSL league debut, he scored just 2 minutes after being substituted into the match from a pass Bernard Parker fed him. The Chiefs ended that match in a 2-1 victory over Jomo Cosmos.
- Majoro is a trained radiologist from the University of Johannesburg. He gives credit to his parents for prioritizing education over football.
13. Sibusiso Vilakazi
- Full Name: Sibusiso Vilakazi
- Net Worth: R7 million
- Salary/Contract: R350, 000 monthly
- Age: 34 years old
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Active Since (Years): 2009
- No. of International Caps: 32
- No. of International Goals: 5
- Trophies Won: 3 times South African DSTV Premier League winner (2017/18,19/20), South African Cup winner (2019/20), and CAF Super Cup winner (2016/17).
Sibusiso is another Mamelodi Sundown player who ranks as one of the richest footballers in South Africa. The Soweto, Gauteng-born midfielder began his football career as a youth with Bidvest Wits before turning professional in 2009.
The prolific star who is often at his best playing from the right flank either as a midfielder, right-winger, or even center forward has a market value of about R12 million. Of course, this distinguishes him as one of the most valuable players in the premier league, little wonder why he seats comfortably with a net worth of R7 million.
Though it has not been revealed what other businesses he does, Sibusiso is not one who lives an extravagant lifestyle. He is modest in many ways and as such, it is believed he’s putting his football money into profitable businesses.
Random Facts About Sibusiso Vilakazi
- Sibusiso is a fan of Manchester United; an English Premier League club side.
- He won the PSL Player and Player’s Player of the Year in the 2013-14 season.
- Sibusiso drives a Volks Wagen GTI Golf and BMW 4 series.
- The footballer lives in Orlando East, Johannesburg with his parents in a house he bought in 2014.
- For now, there have been no reports about his possible girlfriend or wife.
12. Themba Zwane
- Full Name: Themba Zwane
- Net Worth: R7.6 million ($500,000)
- Salary/Contract: R166, 000 monthly
- Age: 34 years old
- Current Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Playing Position: Attacking midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Youth career – M Tigers and Vardos FC, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Mamelodi Sundowns
- Active Since (Years): 2010
- No. of International Caps: 23
- No. of International Goals: 4
- Trophies Won: 4 times South African DSTV Premier League winner (2015/16/17/18/19/20), South African Cup winner (2015/16 and 2019/20), CAF Super Cup winner (2015/16), and CAF Super Cup Winner (2016/17).
Themba Zwane is a South African-born attacking midfielder who can play both from the right and even better from the left flank. He started his football career as a youth with Mahlangu Tigers (M Tigers FC) which has her home ground at the Mehlareng Stadium, Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. After some time, Themba moved on to Vardos FC where his talent was noticed and appreciated by Mamelodi Sundowns. The team later offered him a professional contract in the year 2011.
Themba has been with the team since even though he went on a loan to Mpumalanga Black Aces but was recalled back after the duration of the loan transfer. With over 200 appearances and 39 goals as of this writing, the attacker/winger has proven himself to both his team and fans. Little wonder he has an estimated market value of over R22 million.
Being one of the new youngsters currently making waves in the South African football community, not much has been documented about his investments and other sources of income. As such, it is assumed that for now, football is his main and only source of income.
Random Facts About Themba Zwane
- The attacker has a penchant for wearing the number 10 jersey.
- Themba won the 2019-20 PSL Footballer, midfielder, player’s player of the season.
- He also won Sundown’s player of the season and player’s player of the season in the 2019-20 season.
- Themba is reportedly married to a certain Lizzy Likhayo.
- He has also been called out by one of his mistresses to have numerous girlfriends in East Rand.
11. Thembinkosi Lorch
- Full Name: Thembinkosi Lorch
- Net Worth: R7.6 million ($500,000)
- Salary/Contract: R108 000 monthly
- Age: 30 years old
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Maluti FET College, Cape Town All Stars, Chippa United, and Orlando Pirates
- Active Since (Years): 2013
- No. of International Caps: 6
- No. of International Goals: 4
- Trophies Won: 2020/21 MTN8 Cup Winner
Away from the dominance of Mamelodi players on this list, Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch with a net worth of R7 million in a football career that has spanned less than 1 decade is one star to watch closely. He began his career plying his trade with Maluti FET College from 2013 to 2015 before he joined Cape Town All Stars (2015-16), Chippa United (2016-17), and of recent Orlando Pirates where he has been impressive in the midfield or as an attacker from both flanks.
The striker nicknamed “Nyoso” who reportedly earns R108 000 per month has a market value over R14. Needless to say, he ranks as one of the highest-earning players on the Amabhakabhaka side. And like many on this list, football remains Thembinkosi’s main source of income. However, it is known that he has an endorsement deal with Cartrack South Africa but details of how much he got from the deal are not publicly known.
Random Facts About Thembinkosi Lorch
- He was South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in the 2018-19 season.
- He got to know that Orlando Pirates were interested in him while still playing for Phuthaditjhaba, Free State-based Maluti FET College F.C.
- Thembinkosi scored South Africa’s only goal against Egypt on 6th July 2019 at the 2019 African Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt. The goal knocked Egypt out of the competition in the round of 16.
10. Oupa Manyisa
- Full Name: Oupa Manyisa
- Net Worth: R8 million
- Salary/Contract:
- Age: 35 years old
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, TTM F.C
- Active Since (Years): 2008
- No. of International Caps: 5
- No. of International Goals: 1
- Trophies Won: 5 times South African DSTV Premier League winner (2010/11/12, 2017/18/19/20), 2 times MTN8 Cup winner (2010/11/12), and South African Cup winner (2011/12)
Widely accepted by many as one of the best footballers in the country, Oupa Manyisa who is from Mohlakeng located in the Gauteng region of South Africa has had to prove himself time and over again whenever he is on the pitch. Though a natural midfielder, the footballer can also lead his team as a striker and there has not been any reason to question his capabilities as a striker.
Oupa began pursuing his football dreams early on as a child with SA’s Napoli FC and later on PJ Stars when he was 7 and 9 years old respectively. He then joined Africa Youth Sports Academy but had unsuccessful trials with some English teams before Orlando Pirates spotted a rare gem in him in 2008. He later played for rivals Mamelodi Soundown prior to his joining TTM F.C. Having played for all these teams has helped Oupa to a deserving net worth of R8 million.
Aside from his football earnings, there has not been concrete evidence of businesses he runs and earns from. Needless to say, he makes enough money as a footballer to be ranked among the richest South African footballers.
Random Facts About Oupa Manyisa
- Oupa is one of a few South African players, African players, and indeed footballers all over the world to play against Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, and other big names in the Spanish team.
- Oupa and Senzo Meyiwa holds the record for most appearances for Orlando Pirates.
- In the 2013-14 season, Oupa played a total of 51 out of 53 games Mamelodi played that season.
- He won a domestic treble with the Pirates in the 2010-11 season; the team’s first-ever treble.
- He joined Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila F.C. in the 2020-21 season but for some yet-to-be-determined reasons was let go without even playing a single league game.
9. Innocent Maela
- Full Name: Innocent Maela
- Net Worth: R9.6 million ($680,000)
- Salary/Contract: R150, 000 monthly
- Age: 31 years old
- Playing Position: Defender
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Witbank Spurs (2012–14), Thanda Royal Zulu (2014–17), and Orlando Pirate (2017 to date)
- Active Since (Years): 2012
- No. of International Caps: 8
- No. of International Goals: 0
- Trophies Won: MTN8Cup winner (2020/21)
Innocent is perhaps the best fullback currently playing in the South African national. But knowing that he is the son of footballer Eric Masilela and a half-brother to Amazulu’s Tsepo Masilela, one needs not to be surprised why he is so good on the pitch. The 31 years old defender started his career with Witbank Spurs and has played in 2 other teams in the PSL since then. On the national front, the youngster already has a place and we can delightfully look forward to the future to see his contributions in the Bafana Bafana side.
Innocent who is versatile in all defensive positions and even the midfield has a market value pegged at R17 million, though he used to worth more. From his football earnings and perhaps other businesses, he has helped himself to a net worth of about R9.6 million which is expected to grow.
Random Facts About Innocent Maela
- Innocent Maela was born in Witbank, South Africa, little wonder he started his career playing for his home team.
- Though a defender, Innocent has found the back of the net for his club sides no less than 11 times.
8. Kermit Erasmus
- Full Name: Kermit Romeo Erasmus
- Net Worth: R13 million ($950,000)
- Salary/Contract:
- Age: 33 years old
- Playing Position: Striker, winger
- Club/s Played/Playing For: SuperSport United (2007–08), Feyenoord (2008–10), Excelsior(loan 2009–10), SuperSport United (2010–13), Orlando Pirates (2013–16), Rennes (loan; 2016–18), Lens (loan; 2017), AFC Eskilstuna (2018), Vitória de Setúbal (2018), Cape Town City (2019–20), Mamelodi Sundowns (2020 to date)
- Active Since (Years): 2007
- No. of International Caps: 15
- No. of International Goals: 2
- Trophies Won: South African Champion (2007/08)
After signing for Super Sports United in 2007-08, Kermit Erasmus went abroad to play football across countries like Netherlands, France, Sweden, and Portugal. With this wealth of experience, Cape Town City FC was quick to sign him after he returned to SA in 2019 before Mamelodi Sundowns secured his services.
The talented football who is worth about $950,000 has more to show in experience than trophies. He is however one of the richest footballers in South Africa and has remained so for a long time.
Random Facts About Kermit Erasmus
- During the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by Egypt, Erasmus scored 3 goals during the competition.
- He starred in the documentary film Soka Afrika in 2010.
7. Siphiwe Tshabalala
- Full Name: Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalala
- Net Worth: R13.8 million
- Age: 39 years old
- Playing Position: Winger
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Alexandra United, Free State Stars, Kaizer Chiefs and Büyükşehir Belediye Erzurumspor
- Active Since (Years): 2003
- No. of International Caps: 90
- No. of International Goals: 12
- Trophies Won: Absa Premiership winner (2012/13 and 2014/15), MTN8 Cup winner 2008, Vodacom Challenge Cup 2009, Telkom Charity Cup 2010, etc.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup remains memorable to many South Africans for many reasons. One such is the spectacular opening goal scored by SA’s Siphiwe Tshabalala against Mexico in the 55th minute on his 50th cap for the Bafana Bafana side. It is one of the many gifts the “tricky winger” gave SA’s football fans in the 5 years he played in the national team.
Siphiwe began his football career in the year 1991 playing for youth clubs like Phiri Arsenal (1991-94), Phiri Movers (1994-1997), Kaizer Chiefs (1997-2002), and lastly MOroka Swallows where he played in just one season – 2002/03. For his senior career, the sharp attacker and winger was most prolific from 2007 to 20018 when he played for Kaizer Chiefs with 28 goals from 292 appearances. Prior to that time, he played for Alexandria United (2003-2004) and Free State Stars (2004-2007). Recently, he plays for Amazulu haven been signed from BBErzumspor in 2019.
Though it is not known what he earns currently, while Siphiwe Tshabalala was playing for Turkish side BB Erzurumspor, he was making the equivalent of R450, 000 monthly. Therefore, looking at his net worth of R13.8 million, the footballer has no doubt put his money to good use.
Random Facts About Siphiwe Tshabalala
- He was called to the national team while still playing in the National First Division
- Became one of the first two players in 2019 to launch Nike’s CTR360 Maestri boots.
- Tshabalala has a child (his first child) with former Miss SA, Bokang Montjane. The child was born a boy on 6 February 2015.
6. George Lebese
- Full Name: George Lebese
- Net Worth: R14 million
- Salary/Contract: Unknown
- Age: 34 years old
- Playing Position: Left winger
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Arcadia Shepherds, Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, SuperSport United, Colorado Springs Switchbacks, TTM F.C
- Active Since (Years): 2007
- No. of International Caps: 5
- No. of International Goals: 0
- Trophies Won: 3 times South African DSTV Premier League winner (2012/13, 2014/15, and 2017/18), MTN8 Cup winner (2014/15), and South African Cup winner (2010/11).
George Lebese began his football career playing as a youth for Jusben and Khona Lapho before he turned pro in 2007. He played in a couple of SA teams: Kaizer Chiefs (2008-17), Sundowns (2017-19), SuperSport United (2019 loan) before he went abroad to play for USA’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks in 2019. However, following travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, his contract was duly terminated and TTM F.C secured the services of the versatile left-winger.
The 34 years old South African international footballer with a market value of over R3 million is confident that he can still make exploits in PSL. Though the terms of the contract are not known, it is believed that a player of his caliber with over R14 million in net worth can’t settle for anything less than he is worth.
Aside from football, Dean co-founded a cosmetics line – Dream SkinCare – with fellow footballers Lehlohonolo Majoro and Mido Ochocinco. He has been seen severally promoting the brand (IG @dreamcosmeticsza) on his Instagram handle. Going by the posts, Dream SkinCare has unisex shower gel and body lotion sold separately or as a combo. This business venture possibly adds to his R14 million net worth.
Random Fact About George Lebese
- George made his international debut for South Africa against Ivory Coast on 11 November 2011 (11/11/2011).
- He is one of the South African footballers whose international club careers were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
5. Dean Furman
- Full Name: Dean Furman
- Net Worth: R14 million
- Salary/Contract:
- Age: 35 years old
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Chelsea, Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic, Doncaster Rovers, Supersports United, and Carlisle United
- Active Since (Years): 2003
- No. of International Caps: 58
- No. of International Goals: 4
- Trophies Won: MTN8 Cup winner (2017/18) and 2 times NEDBANK Cup winner (2015/16 and 2016/17).
Dean Furman stands tall as one of the most versatile South African football players with experience having played in some of the world’s best footballing nations. He began his career as a youth playing for English football club Chelsea from 2003 to 2006 before he left for Scottish side Rangers FC where he played from 2006–2008. As a senior, he joined Rangers senior team for the 2008/09 season and also went on loan to Bradford City in the same season. He was later shipped off to Oldham Athletic and played there 2009-13; went on loan to Doncaster Rovers in 2013 and was later signed by the Rovers who kept him till 2015. Dean then returned to his home country with a signing from Supersports United where he played for the next 5 years till Carlisle United signed him in 2020.
The footballer who has a market value of about R9 million earns a salary of R300, 000 monthly. Dean Furman is one of the highest-earning players in the PSL and it is easy to see that he has put his money to good use seeing he has a net worth of R14 million. However, aside from football, it has not been revealed what other sources of income he has.
Random Facts About Dean Furman
- Dean Furman is a Jewish South African of English descent.
- His family relocated to England when he was 5 years old.
- He earned a degree in sports science from Manchester Metropolitan University.
- Dean is a married man, his wife is Natasha (Tash) Howarth is from Manchester, England.
- They got married in 2018 in a synagogue in England and by June 2020, they had their first child; a baby girl.
4. Itumelenge Khune
- Full Name: Itumeleng Isaac Khune
- Net Worth: R15 million
- Salary/Contract: R470 000 monthly
- Age: 36 years old
- Playing Position: Goal Keeper
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Kaizer Chiefs
- Active Since (Years): 1999
- No. of International Caps: 94
- No. of International Goals: 0
- Trophies Won: 3 times Premier Soccer League (2004/05, 2012/13, 2014/15), 3 times ABSA Cup/Nedbank Cup (2006, 2013 and 2014), Coca-Cola Cup/Telkom Knockout (2004, 2007, 2009 and 2010) and MTN8 Cup winner (2006, 2008, 2014 and 2015).
Ever since he began his footballing career, Itumeleng Khune has not lined up in the colors of any other team other than that of Abafana Bok’thula Noxolo side – Kaizer Chiefs F.C. The goalie started manning the net for the Chief’s youth side in 1999 and earned a first-team pick in the senior side in 2004. Since then Khune has kept his spot in the team with about 266 appearances in all competitions they lined up for. On the national front, he has been capped a total of 94 times; 3 of which were in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The jersey number 32 goalie makes R470 000 monthly and has about R15 million as his net worth earns from more than football. Itumeleng Khune has signed multiple endorsement deals which sometimes earns him up to R1.5 million a year. Some of the brands he has endorsed include Nike, Kentucky, Kiwi Polish, Vaseline For Men, Danone’s Dan Up, and others.
Random Facts About Itumelenge Khune
- As a 12-year-old in Kaizer, Itumelenge first tried as a striker and defender but was unsuccessful in both before he proved himself as a good goalie.
- Itumelenge Khune arrived at the 2016 Rio Olympic games as the player with the most experience with 75 national caps.
- Some of his individual awards include Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13,2013–14, PSL Players’ Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13, Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament 2013, etc.
3. Bernard Parker
- Full Name: Bernard Parker
- Net Worth: R20 million
- Salary/Contract: Over R300, 000 monthly
- Age: 37 years old
- Playing Position: Attacking midfielder and forward
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Thanda Royal Zulu, Red Star Belgrade, FC Twente, Panserraikos, and Kaizer Chiefs.
- Active Since (Years): 2004
- No. of International Caps: 73
- No. of International Goals: 23
- Trophies Won: Dutch Champion (2009/10), Dutch Super Cup winner (2011), South African Cup winner (2012/13), MTN8 Cup winner (2014/15), South African Champion (2012/13/14/5)
Bernard Parker plays in the midfield position for both the South African national team and his current club side the Kaizer Chiefs. The start of his football career dates back to his time with Transnet School of Excellence and later Mamelodi Sundowns from where he went pro and joined Thanda Royal Zulu in 2004. Bernard thereafter went abroad and played for the like of Red Star Belgrade (Serbia – 2009), FC Twente (Netherlands – 2009 to 2011) then went on loan to Panserraikos in 2011 before returning home to join Kaizer Chiefs in 2011. He has been with the Phefeni Glamour Boys since then.
With his many years of experience on the pitch and a trophy-laden career both from South Africa and abroad, Bernard has no doubt proven he is worth every penny he has. The Boksburg-born player has a net worth of about R20 million and will often be in the first 5 of the richest football players in South Africa by any ranking.
Random Facts About Bernard Parker
- He is not one to show off wealth though but we know he used the earnings of his first football contract to buy his mum a house.
- He is married to a lady referred to as Wendy Cherry. The duo got married in June 2012 in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal with 170 guests in attendance.
2. Thulani Hlatshwayo
- Full Name: Thulani Tyson Hlatshwayo
- Net Worth: over R28 million ($2 million)
- Salary/Contract: Over R150,000 monthly
- Age: 34 years old
- Playing Position: Center back
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Ajax Cape Town (2009–14), Bidvest Wits (2014–20), and Orlando Pirates (2020 to date).
- Active Since (Years): 2005
- No. of International Caps: 48
- No. of International Goals: 4
- Trophies Won: South African Champion (2016/17), South African Cup winner (2017/18), and MTN8 Cup winner (2020/21).
Thulani Hlatshwayo who plays as a defender captains both his club side the Orlando Pirates and the South African national team. He began his youth career playing for Senaoane Gunners FC and in 2005 he joined Ajax Cape Town as a youth and made it to the senior team. Afterward, he played for Bidvest Wits and currently the Orlando Pirates. Though his career is not one decorated with many awards, he has one of the most impressive records of any footballer in South Africa.
Indeed, Thulani’s lengthy football career has in no small way contributed to his market value. As expected, it is evident in his remunerations where he pockets over R150, 000. This has no doubt helped him to a net worth of over R28 million.
Random Facts About Thulani Hlatshwayo
- As a youth, Thulani Hlatshwayo played for the South African U17 side (2005-07), South African U20 (2007-09), and South African U23 (2009-12).
- At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Hlatshwayo scored an own goal in SA’s opening match against Algeria. They lost the match 3 goals to 1.
- On 13 October 2018, Hlatshwayo made history with the Bafana Bafana as they routed Seychelles 6-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The scoreline is the highest ever for SA.
1. Andile Jali
- Full Name:Andile Ernest Jali
- Net Worth: over R42 million ($3 million)
- Salary/Contract: R550 000 monthly
- Age: 33 years old
- Playing Position: Defensive midfielder and Central midfielder
- Club/s Played/Playing For: Pretoria University (2007-09), Orlando Pirates (2009-14), K.V. Oostende (2014-18), Mamelodi Sundowns (2018-present).
- Active Since (Years): 2007
- No. of International Caps: 44
- No. of International Goals: 5
- Trophies Won: South African Champion (2010/11/12 with Orlando Pirates, 18/19/20 with Mamelodi Sundowns), South African Cup Winner (2011/12 with Orlando Pirates and 2019/20 with Mamelodi Sundowns), MTN8 Cup Winner 2010/11/12 with Orlando Pirates).
Mhlekazi as he is popularly referred to by his teammates started his amateur football career in 2002 playing for Hot Spurs. By 2006, he joined Matat Professionals where he rendered services in the midfield till 2007. Still, on the path of growth, Andile joined National First Division side Pretoria University in 2007 and played out his heart to earn admiration from other teams before the Sundowns came seeking his services.
Currently, he is reported the highest-paid footballer in the Mamelodi outfit with a monthly salary of R550, 000 with which he has helped himself to a net worth estimated to be between $1 to $5 million. Though conservative estimates pegged him to be worth about $3 million. As of this writing, Andile is also one of the most valuable players in the Confederation of African Football – CAF – with a market value of almost R20 million
Random Facts About Andile Jali
- Under Dutch coach Ruud Krol, Andile and his then Orlando Pirates teammates made history in the 2010/11 season by winning 3 tournaments: MTN8 Cup, South African Cup, and South African Champions.
- He used to be married to a certain Nonhle Ndala Jali, but following the problems they began having in their marriage, Andile revealed to the press that they are now separated. The former couple has 3 children together.
- Apart from the three children Andile has with his now-estranged wife and show fitness trainer Nonhle Jali, the footballer reportedly has another child with a certain Dipuo Maloi.
Summary List Of Richest South African Footballers in South Africa
- Andile Jali – Net worth: over R42 million ($3 million)
- Thulani Hlatshwayo – Net Worth: over R28 million ($2 million)
- Bernard Parker – Net Worth: R20 million ($1.4 million)
- Itumelenge Khune – Net Worth: R15 million ($1.06 million)
- Dean Furman – Net Worth: R14 million ($990, 500)
- George Lebese – Net Worth: R14 million ($990, 500)
- Siphiwe Tshabalala – Net Worth: R13.8 million ($976, 350)
- Kermit Erasmus – Net Worth: R13 million ($950,000)
- Innocent Maela – Net Worth: R9.6 million ($680,000)
- Oupa Manyisa – Net Worth: R8 million ($566, 000)
- Thembinkosi Lorch – Net Worth: R7.6 million ($537,700)
- Themba Zwane – Net Worth: R7.6 million $537,700)
- Sibusiso Vilakazi – Net Worth: R7 million ($495, 250)
- Lehlohonolo Majoro – Net Worth: R4 million ($283, 000)
- Ronwen Williams – Net Worth: R2.8 million ($200, 000)
Other Notable Rich Footballers in South Africa
Aside from the stars listed above, below is a list of wealthy footballers who are either retired, soon-to-retire, or non-South African nationals (who play professionally in the PSL) and are also wealthy; deserving of a mention here.
Moeneeb Josephs – R7 million ($500, 000)
Though currently without a club, 43 years old Moeneeb Josephs still ranks top as one of the richest football players in South Africa with his net worth of about R7 million. While with his last team; AmaZulu Football Club, the shot-stopper pockets a deserving R220,000 as his salary. It is speculated that Amazulu will still retain his services though not as a goalie, instead as an assistant coach.
Elias Gasper Pelembe – R10 million (over $712, 000)
Away from the dominance of South African nationals, Mozambican footballer Elias Gasper Pelembe who currently plays for Polokwane City in the South African Premier Soccer League is one of the richest footballers in South Africa with a net worth of R10 million. More popularly known as Domingues, the 40 years old right-winger began playing professional football in South Africa in the year 2007 and has since then played for the likes of Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, and currently Polokwane City.
Teko Modise – R14.9 million (over $1 million)
Teko Tsholofelo Modise also known as the General is a retired South African footballer who played in almost all the biggest clubs in the PSL. The 41 years old former midfielder who was capped 66 times with 10 goals gave his best in service of the Bafana Bafana. In return, Teko enjoyed many endorsement deals with the likes of McDonald’s, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Telkom, and Nike. His endorsement deal with Nike placed him at par with global football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, and Didier Drogba. It is therefore not surprising for him to have a net worth running into millions of rand.
Anele Ngcongca – R30 million (over $2 million)
Sadly Anele Ngcongca is no more but while he lived, he topped many lists of the richest South African footballers with a net worth of R30 million. The former South African international who died in an accident aged 33 years old on 23 November 2020 was on loan to Amazulu from Mamelodi Sundowns when his demise occurred.
