Sports entertainment in general has the most highly paid professionals in the world and today we list the top 20 highest-paid soccer players in the Dstv PSL in 2023/24.
PSL is arguably the richest and among the top entertaining leagues in the African continent and is recognized abroad.
There are many factors that contribute to the player’s average salary and without wasting your time, here are the most expensive players earning big bucks in the Dstv Premiership this season.
The Dstv Premiership has some of the richest soccer clubs that afford players from across the globe.
The Average Soccer Player’s Salary
On average, soccer players on the entry level in the Dstv premiership earn between R7,500 to R15,000. These are young players still in the academy learning the ways of being professional footballers.
While experienced players take home between R30,000 to R100,000 per month salary depending on the club and the value-proposition they bring to the institution – the club.
While it has been reported players earn millions of rands per month from PSL clubs, these reports cannot be confirmed to be true, though it’s widely acceptable based on the expensive lifestyles of soccer players in the country and abroad.
Let’s look at these expensive players in PSL:
1. Keagan Dolly
- Current team: Kaizer Chiefs
- Position played: Forward
Having recently returned to Mzanzi, Dolly signed with Amakhosi, Kaizer Chiefs. He’s reported to be earning over R1.1 Million per month salary, making him the highest-paid soccer player in PSL.
2. Bongani Zungu
- Current team: Mamelodi Sundowns
- Position played: Midfielder
Rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns after a 6 years international career. Zungu’s signing in 2023 made headlines in the media as he became the highest earning player at Sundowns.
He’s reported to be earning a whopping R700,000 per month at Sundowns this season.
3. Andile Jali
- Current team: Moroka Swallows
- Position played: Central/Defensive Midfielder
Popularly referred to as AJ, Andile joined Moroka Swallows FC after a fallout with Sundowns in 2023. His salary was influenced by an international career, we know how international clubs pay footballers worldwide and it was the same with Jali.
AJ earns between R550,000 to R600,000 monthly salary for his midfield role and services. With his experience, he won multiple titles with Sundowns since returning to the Dstv premiership.
4. Deon Hotto
A Namibian international footballer currently playing for Orlando Pirates FC and among the highest earners in the club this season. Hotto is believed to be earning over R500,000 per month salary at the club. He was signed from Bidvest Wits FC as a free agent, which the salary clearly indicate his value to Orlando Pirates success.
5. Ronwen Williams
Ronwen Williams, with a monthly salary of R500,000 at Mamelodi Sundowns, has established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers in the league.
His exceptional shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and leadership qualities make him a pivotal figure for Sundowns.
6. Itumeleng Khune
Called Mzanzi’s number one goalkeeper, Itu plays for Kaizer Chiefs. He earns a salary of R430,000.00 at the club as a shot-stopper. While he didn’t have a great season last year due to injuries, he still remains one of the top earners at Kaizer Chiefs.
7. Denis Onyango
Denis Onyango, earning R450,000 monthly, is a cornerstone of Mamelodi Sundowns’ defensive unit. The Ugandan goalkeeper is celebrated for his remarkable reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and leadership on and off the pitch.
8. Marcelo Allende
Recently brought to South Africa by Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s reported it cost the club a lot of undisclosed money to sign the player. It’s one of those complicated negotiations to purchase the services of a player, as mentioned by Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokoena.
9. Kennedy Mweene
Kennedy Mweene, the seasoned goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, earns R420,000 per month. Hailing from Zambia, Mweene is renowned for his experience, composure, and penalty-saving prowess.
10. Thapelo Morena
Thapelo is one of the loyal and longest-serving players at Mamelodi Sundowns and is reported to be earning over R450,000.00 per month salary at the club.
11. Gaston Sirino
Gaston is an Uruguayan footballer currently playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. He’s earning about R400 000 per month as a midfielder at the club. Gaston is a creative player that brings a dynamic passing game to Sundowns.
12. Peter Shalulile
with a monthly salary of R400,000 at Mamelodi Sundowns, has made a significant impact as a forward. His relentless work ethic, pace, and clinical finishing ability have made him one of the league’s most feared strikers.
The next list of players compete the top 20 highest paid players in the DStv PSL:
- 13. Brian Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – R380,000)
- 14. Erwin Saavedra (Mamelodi Sundowns – R350,000)
- 15. Kermit Erasmus (Orlando Pirates – R350,000)
- 16. Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns – R350,000)
- 17. Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns – R350,000)
- 18. Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates – R300,000)
- 19. Ashley Du Preez (Kaizer Chiefs – R300,000)
- 20. Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs – R300,000)
How Do Clubs Manage to Pay Players Such Salaries?
While these numbers cannot be confirmed and may seem unrealistic for many people in the country but they’re for real.
Soccer on television is more than just soccer, it’s an advertising business that makes millions of rands per game in PSL. I’m certain you’ve seen all the ads around the pitch of play, on television screens during the game, on club jerseys, and on many other sections of the game.
That’s how players manage to earn way higher than a government minister or many CEOs around the world. They entertain people around the world, it’s an emotional game.
Each team is more than just a soccer club, it’s a brand with many other sub-businesses under it. Look at it this way, if you advertise with them, your business will reach millions of new customers to buy your product and services.