The allure of lucrative contracts and the pursuit of international recognition have driven a surge in South African footballers seeking opportunities abroad.
The exodus of talented SA players to prominent European leagues, such as the Premier League and Ligue 1, has propelled them onto the global football scene.
FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at the top five paid South African stars plying their trade overseas.
LYLE FOSTER
The former Orlando Pirates striker, Lyle Foster was earning a weekly gross of £20,000 with the Premier League outfit Burnley FC as per Spotrac.com.
In rands, his salary is almost R450,000. The striker is earning around £960 000 per year which is almost equivalent to R21,6 million. Foster is now earning even more after he signed a contract extension at the end of October.
The 23-year-old has made eight appearances in all competitions this season. He has scored three goals and provided two assists.
PERCY TAU
Kingfut states that the Al Ahly ace, Tau is receiving a monthly salary that is close to R2 million. He signed a deal with the Red Devils keeping him at the club till 2025.
When converted to the South African currency, this would work out to roughly R19,6 million a year.
The ‘Lion of Judah’ has been a key player for Al Ahly this season. In five league matches, he has found the back of the net four times.
LEBO MOTHIBA
According to Salary Sport, the Bafana Bafana striker Mothiba is believed to be earning around £48,000 per week with the Ligue 1 outfit RC Strasbourg Alsace. In the South African currency, it’s roughly just over R1 million.
The 27-year-old’s annual earnings are around £624,000 per year which is over R14 million.
The goalpoacher is slowly regaining his form after hitting the net three times this season in 10 league matches.
BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE
According to the MLS Players Association, the goal poacher is receiving a salary of $560 000 per year on his current contract with MLS side Minnesota United FC. In the SA currency, the 23-year-old’s income is around R10.3 million.
Hlongwane had a great 2023 season in the MLS as he was directly involved in 22 goals in 38 matches in all competitions. He scored 17 goals and provided five assists.
NJABULO BLOM
MLS Players Association revealed that the former Kaizer Chiefs midfield engine Blom has a salary of $246 000 per year with MLS side St Louis SC. When converted to rands it’s almost equal to R4.6 million.
Blom had a fairly good campaign with MLS newcomers bossing the midfield. All-in-all, he made 30 appearances in all competitions, scored one goal, and provided an assist. – FarPost.