The South African Football Association (SAFA) is reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, which could lead to salary cuts for high earners, including Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos.
The association has proposed salary reductions ranging from 5% to 25% for these individuals.
Mxolisi Sibam, the chairperson of SAFA’s finance committee, said that the association’s annual turnover is R250 million, with more than 25% of that amount allocated to staff salaries.
Hugo Broos among top earners paid by Safa
“We will propose that we reduce their salaries by a percentage ranging from 25% to 5%. However, this will be compensated by the introduction of bonuses, which are quite generous.
In good years, they could receive a bonus of 2.5% of their annual salary. But there is a condition: for us to start paying these bonuses, SAFA must earn revenue of R350 million, excluding any prize money from competitions,” Sibam said as per SABC.
Hugo Broos, who has helped Bafana Bafana qualify for their first World Cup since 2002, might face a salary cut just six months before his contract ends.
The Belgian coach is expected to retire after next year’s tournament. SAFA’s financial difficulties could affect the national teams, including Banyana Banyana and the junior teams. In December, Bafana will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, but there has been no mention of bonuses.
Sibam noted that the issue of underfunding national teams is not solely a SAFA problem; it reflects a larger issue within the country. He emphasised the need for the private sector to view football as an enabler.
With financial problems emerging at Safa, it remains to be seen if Hugo Broos will still be Bafana Bafana coach after the Afcon.
