When South Africa became a constitutional democracy, it could enter the international stage again. They won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, participated in three World Cups after that, and even played host to the 2010 World Cup. It was indeed a turnaround for the country.

Here are some of South Africa's current crop of high-profile players and their annual salaries. Often a player's performance is directly proportional to their salary. For the longest time, a South African soccer player, would have to move overseas to seek greener pastures, but that seems to be changing!

Keagan Dolly - $1.1 Million

Keagan Larenzo Dolly plays as an attacking midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and the South Africa national team. He brings home the biggest salary of any South African soccer player - $900k per month. His skills will attract even bigger crowds to the stadium.

In 2021, Kaizer Chiefs coaxed him with an offer which no one would refuse, so he left the French side Montpellier FC. He is the only player to earn more than $900k a month and wears the prized number 10 jersey, worn by previous superstars of the club.

Dean Furman - $80k

Dean Furman has done some time club-hopping. He used to ply his trade for SuperSport United, a local team in South Africa. In the 2020/21 season, he left the English club Carlisle United after just one season and then got snapped up by fifth-tier Altrincham to play in their midfield for the next for 2021/22.

He has previously played for Scottish Premiership side Rangers, now managed by Steven Gerrard. Furman is the former captain of Bafana Bafana, the nickname for South Africa's national football side.

Andile Jali - $280k

Andile Ernest Jali is one of the most celebrated players for Mamelodi Sundowns and plays for the South African national football team. His career spans over 11 years and remains of the sides' best players. Unlike Siphiwe Tshabalala, who believes in creating sustainable businesses, Jali spends his money on cars and houses.

He does not fund these luxury expenses through his salary, he also has endorsement deals with Nike and Lion match products, owing to his star status. In 2021, he declared he would not leave Mamelodi Sundowns for an overseas-based club.

Sipho Mbule - $180k

Sipho Percevale Mbule is one part of Premier Division side SuperSport United's midfield duo, the other being Teboho Mokoena. Mbule was born in the small town of Bethlehem, the "House of Bread", owing to the region's stunning wheat farms that roll like a landscape of dunes.

Every talented player, though, can get distracted. In the transfer silly season of 2021, there were many speculated links with the SA Under-23 international star Mbule. SuperSport United's coach urged Mbule to stay focused on his future in the club as his game suffered for it.

Ben Motshwari - $180k

Ben Motshwari is one of the stalwarts of Orlando Pirates - one of the big three in South Africa's Premier Soccer League. He plays as a speedy midfielder, whose slick passing can unlock many a difficult defense. Now, with the arrival of new assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, he will have even more keys to tricky locks.

Motshwari has described Ncikazi as a father figure, and, owing to this, the assistant coach's presence will uplift the players and boost their confidence. Naturally, this means better performances on the pitch, so we can look forward to the Pirates' 2021/22 season.

Thulani Serero - $250k

Thulani Serero, 31, has earned praise for his superb performances in the United Arab Emirates since he departed from Vitesse. He helped secure Al Jazira a third league title and earned Best Foreign Midfielder in the Gulf Pro league as well as Best Foreign Player in 2020/21 in the same campaign.

It means that 'Cream', Serero's nickname as the cream of the crop, will take his side to the Asian Champions League next season, as they aim to compete with the other major clubs on the continent. Al Jazira will certainly be depending on his prowess.

Luther Singh - $800k

Luther Singh, the 24-year-old goal scorer from Soweto, made a shock move in 2021 to Denmark's Superliga giants, FC Copenhagen. He ended his spell in Portugal after being deemed as the redundant surplus value after five years at the club. Fortunately, his old club reached an agreement to sell the player for $1.8 million.

He feels confident that he will adapt quickly to his new coaches playing style because, in his own words, he knows what European coaches like. In the meantime, he is back in South Africa to play for the national side.

Percy Tau - $220k

Percy Tau has had to endure serious criticism of late, since his move to play soccer for Al Ahly is seen as a 'downgrade', given he was playing for the English Premier side, Brighton. What was his reasoning behind it?

He was not getting enough game time. Of course, this would mean he will calcify as a player for the national side. The promise of playing for the Egyptian giants on a three-year deal means he will spend more time on the field than on the bench, especially since Pitso Mosimane, his former coach, leads Al Ahly.

Bongani Zungu - $400k

Bongani Zungu, 28, is now back in South Africa after a stellar season on-loan from Amiens to the Scottish giants Rangers. He helped them onto an undefeated season to claim the Premiership title during his year-long spell in Glasgow.

However, Amiens vice-president Luigi Mulazzi has heard rumors that Zungu likes it in Johannesburg, and might have links with Orlando Pirates. Mulazzi has warned Zungu that he still has a year of his contract to fulfill so he can't make any sudden movements. However, due to travel complications, it looks like Zungu can't anyway.

Themba Zwane - $188k

In August 2021, Themba Zwane scored his 50th goal in the DSTV Premiership and is hailed as the most destructive attacking force in the league. His rise to the best soccer stage in South Africa is as unpredictable as his game. His nickname "Mshishi", which has no direct translation, is given to him for his smooth feet.

He glides on the pitch, and his slick movement has made defenders eat grass and crowds scream, "HAIBO!". It gives his side, Mamelodi Sundowns, the kind of buzz that draws a crowd and puts his opponents on edge.

Lebogang Manyama - $160k

Lebogang Manyama has returned to the Kaizer Chiefs after a long spell off the field. His so-called "Legs of Thunder" strike the ball was the force of a thunderbolt, and he was at his electric height in the 2016/17 season where he was awarded PSL's Footballer of The Year.

His return is welcomed because Kaizer Chiefs have had a lukewarm start to the season of 2021/22 under coach Stuart Baxter. He will undoubtedly make his influence felt in the games to come. He also plays for Bafana Bafana, the South African national football team.

Teboho Mokoena - $150k

Teboho Mokoena is one of the few South African football players to have his customizable hoodie, and he did not mind flexing this fact. He is also sponsored by Puma, so the man has an interest in fashion. He made his professional debut in 2016 and has since made over 100 appearances for SuperSport United.

While he is currently at SuperSport United, he has ambitions to go overseas and play in a European Club. However, it is more and more difficult for South African players to go overseas, especially due to the added travel regulations of the present day.

Kamohelo Mokotjo - $850k

Kamohelo Mokotjo is a South African professional soccer player and, like many South Africans, he has plied his trade in other parts of the world to improve his overall game. He came to prominence for FC Twente in the Netherlands, and then Brentford in England, who favor defensive midfielders.

Now he is based at the Major League in the United States, playing for FC Cincinnati. He is furiously trying to earn a place for the South African national side as they try to earn a place in the next World Cup through the qualifying play-offs.

Mothobi Mvala - $200k

Mamelodi Sundowns are a star-studded side. Testament to the fact is how the central midfielder Mothobi Mvala, a fierce and imposing player, has to fight for a place. The coaches rotate some key midfielders, forcing six players to essentially compete for 4 places.

In 2021, he has been considered "undroppable" for his aggressive, instinctive, and tenacious style. He is not adored by fans because of this, but he is loved by coaches. A player without fear? Absolute gold. No wonder Mvala has come to wear the green and gold jersey for his national side.

Vincent Pule - $220k

Pule started his football journey in the dusty streets of QwaQwa, in a province called the Free State in South Africa, and then signed for his first semi-professional side - Africa Warriors. After only two seasons he became a free-kick specialist for Bidvest Wits - a university side.

Four years later, the star, nicknamed Shuffle for his free-kick style, joined the PSL giants Orlando Pirates in 2018. He had hoped to play a key role in adding silverware to the Club's cabinet before an overseas move. Instead, he joined the elite 100 club - players who have made 100 appearances in the PSL.

Gladwin Shitolo - Unknown

Gladwin Shitolo transformed himself from a defender into a midfielder after he joined the Buccaneers in 2014 - the colloquial name for the Orlando Pirates - but he has spent a lot of time on loan too: at Platinum Stars, Chippa United, and at Golden Arrows (three times).

Now the Bucs and Shitolo have confirmed that they are going their separate ways.  Sekhukhune United has confirmed that he is a transfer target of theirs, as a transfer target for Sekhukhune United who has been busy reinforcing the squad since the start of the transfer window in 2021.

Siyethemba Sithebe - $150k

Siyethemba Sithebe is quiet. He goes about his business on the pitch with distinct excellence but not a hint of bravado, and so he lets his feet and flicks do the talking.  However, he has been considered a rejected gem, but his courage does not roar, it is the small voice that says try again.

Joey Antipas, the coach of AmaZulu, a local South African Premier Football Club, believes that The Good Lord works in mysterious ways. Why? Because Sithebe, the once overlooked gem, has now become a cornerstone for the football side.

Kermit Erasmus - $230k

Kermit Erasmus, who is also called "Romeo”, currently sits in the top of 15 of all-time scorers in the Premier Soccer League in South Africa. He was born in Port Elizabeth and left for Europe at a young age to join Feyenoord, based in Rotterdam.

Since then, he has played for several European clubs, moving from France, Sweden, and Portugal. However, he still took on national colors for South Africa, and in 2016 he was named in the CAF team of the year. However, in 2021 for Mamelodi Sundowns, he has been disappointing.

Lyle Foster - $700k

Every player needs consistent game time to grow and reach their potential. Lyle Foster started with the Orlando Pirates before he made the big overseas move to Monaco, a League 1 side in France. However, the last time he scored was in December 2019, when he was on loan to Cercle Brugge - a top side in Belgium.

Without consistent game-time, he has not fulfilled his potential. However, despite his struggle at the club level, the 20-year-old has been given a chance with the national side in 2021. Let's see how he helps Bafana Bafana through the World Cup qualifiers.

Ruzaigh Gamildien - $185K

Ruzaigh Gamildien has been such a standout performer in the 2021/22 season for Swallows FC - he has 11 goals from 20 matches - he has been signed by one of the giants of South African soccer clubs - The Kaizer Chiefs. Before Gamildien, the Chiefs' best striker, for example, has only three goals to his name, and the season is well underway.

Gamildien was what one might call a journeyman in the sport. He is good enough to play for any club, and he did but never made it into one of the big three until 2021. Now, his figures have shot up to six figures. Fortunes can change quickly in soccer.

Bradley Grobler - $170k

Bradley Grobler was a 2020/21 DStv Premiership Golden Boot winner for his best season to date. He scored a career-best of 17 goals and provided two assists in his 30 appearances for SuperSport United. He came from Ajax Cape Town and in the space of eight years, he became the club's record scorer with 64 goals.

He was promoted as the striker of the Bafana Bafana, and the Chiefs, another big heavyweight team in the PSL, sought him to replace Samir Nurkovic. Stan Matthews, SuperSport United CEO, explained that they want Grobler to stay so he can be part of the technical team.

Kurt Abrahams - $400k

Kurt Abrahams can play on both sides of the wings because he can kick the ball with both feet, like how a baseball player could throw with both arms. He is still a young player, only 24-years old, and has played for South Africa's national side.

Abrahams has been based over the past three seasons in De Kemphanen, Belgium, and netted 19 goals and registered 12 assists in 85 games. Despite a rather poor 2020/21 season, netting two goals and two assists, he has attracted the attention of 27-time league champions FK Partizan.

Itumeleng Khune - $380k

Itumeleng Khune is the goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League, and also for Bafana Bafana - the South African National Team. When he is fit, he is usually the captain of both teams, but gave the captaincy to Veli Mothwa.

He has been sidelined by injuries in 2019, and his contract was due to expire in the 2020/21 season. In the meantime, he did some hard work in the gym and showed off his new physique in 2021. His club has faith in him, and extended his contract for another year, giving him a hefty salary.

William Nylander – $575K

William Nylander is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who's been with the Toronto Maple Leafs since he was drafted in 2014. Though that first agreement was a typical entry-level arrangement with a three-year cap, Nylander signed up for six more years in 2018. That contract was worth $45 million.

In essence, he has an annual cap hit of $6.9 million and a monthly take-home of about $575 thousand each month, making him the fourth-highest earner on his team. In 2022, Nylander entered year five of his deal, and it remains to be seen if he'll extend his contract with the Leafs.

Veli Mothwa - $220k

In September, Bafana Bafana is trying to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup, and the COSAFA Cup in July as part of their preparation - Veli Mothwa is part of that squad. Mothwa, who is the captain of the PSL side, AmaZulu, was both honored and excited to be named as the captain for the South African national side in the COSAFA Cup in July 2021.

His outstanding performances last year led to the goalkeeper's promotion. He was partnered by Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine de Reuck, vice-captain, and lead by Helman Mkhalele, the coach. 

Ricardo Goss - $130k

Ricardo Goss's "The Boss" was coached by Manqoba Mngqithi who helped Goss make a name for himself at Golden Arrows, later having spells with Bidvest Wits and Real Kings before being signed by Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020 on a five-year contract. It was a dream of his to accomplish the feat.

He revels in a space where he rubs shoulders with other goal-keepers of an international standard. Initially, he aspired to Sundowns become the winners of the CAF Champions League but a lack of game-time means he is looking for a loan move.

Darren Keet - $90k

Darren Keet is a man on a mission to regain his sport for Bafana Bafana. He spent last year playing for the second-tier league, for Cape Umoya United in the GladAfrica Championship but joined the Premier League to play for Cape Town City.

Keet, who spent the last few months playing for GladAfrica championship outfit Cape Umoya United, is set to join City on a three-year deal. The move comes due to the vacancy opened by Peter Leeuwenburgh's departure, who has returned to the Netherlands. It offers Keet the chance to compete for that green and gold jersey.

Sifiso Hlanti - $166k

Sifiso Sandile Hlanti is a highly talented left-back that any coach would want. Quick, tough, and strong, he plays for the national side. He wanted to move to Kaizer Chiefs for the 2021/22 season. However, they were banned from the transfer season, and so Hlanti went to play for the Swallows.

The coaching team at Swallows were reluctant to pick a player, like Hlanti, whose future was bound elsewhere. They needed to build a consistent squad and so, despite the talents of Hlanti, he has spent a good deal of time on the bench.

Thulani Hlatshwayo - $220k

Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi were once one of the best center-back pairings in the league during their reign at Bidvest Wits in the 2017/17 season. They won the league title together before going on to be the back duo for Bafana Bafana.

However, Hlatshwayo joined the Pirates and has experienced quite a serious decline. Mkhwanazi opened up that he believes his decline in form has to do with relationships, first, with the fans, and, second, the family. Once those things are resolved, usually a player returns to form again.

Mosa Lebusa - $205k

Mosa was born in Welkom, in a province called Free State in South Africa. He has grown to become a versatile soccer player. He can play in two defensive positions and has the capability of scoring as an attacking left-back who can slice through defenses.

He graduated from Ajax Cape Town to the Mamelodi Sundowns side. He worked his way to become a part of the senior group in the team, even captaining the side in 2020. He still plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and is enjoying the 2021/22 season with them.

Thapelo Morena - $205k

Thapelo James Morena, because of his adaptability and versatility, has played in a few positions for his clubs but is a right-back for the South African National Side - Bafana Bafana. He is also a charismatic player to watch, performing all kinds of tricks while on the move such as the "Shibobo".

Morena left Celtic in 2016, one of the top Scottish sides, to play for a local side called Mamelodi Sundowns. He allegedly earns a salary of R400'000, which makes him one of the most highly paid players in the league.

Thibang Phete - $100k

Thibang Phete, affectionately known as Cafu, a famous soccer player who has retired, was a mainstay for the Portuguese Club Belenenses. Alongside his fellow countryman Sithole, who is 22 years old, they have amassed more than 50 appearances across all competitions together.

They are expected to retain their starting status for the 2021/22 season, and Phete's impressive form with Belenenses earned him a call up to Bafana Bafana against Namibia in November last year and has been a steady presence in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Zimbabwe.

Siyabonga Dube - $140k

Lamontville's Golden Arrows right-back is named Siyabonga Dube. It means "Thank You". Most of the time, soccer players run with the materialistic trend, buying fast cars and big houses. Not Dube, who has bucked the trend by continuing to use public transport and bought his mother a house.

He says that he would not have made it to top-flight soccer if not for the sacrifices his mother had made. Dube grew up in a difficult place, and he needed a good parent. He stayed true to his first name and returned his gratitude.

Reeve Frosler - $190k

Reeve Frosler plays for one of the Big Three (all Soweto-based clubs) as a right back. He is one of their young guns, at only 23 years old. His playing style is quite fierce, as a right-back who can scream up the line and get a great cross in, and routinely dispossess wingers with hard tackles.

Due to his performances in the PSL, he got his call-up to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as part of the South African u23 squad, because a couple of other players had to pull out due to medical reasons.

Lyle Lakay - $240k

In September 2021, there was an uproar on social media because Kaizer Chiefs left-back Sifiso Hlanti had been selected ahead of Mamelodi Sundown's Lyle Lakay. Many pundits have called him the best left-back in the country and deserved a call-up. Even fans of the Chiefs cried foul!

According to Mamelodi Sundowns, Lakay has a deadly left foot that also has the ability to convert free kicks. It makes him a constant threat as a left-back and it is a skill set that marks him apart from other players in the position.

Abbubaker Mobara - 170k

Abubakar Mobara is what is known as a utility player because he can cover several positions. He can play as a right-back or center-back and as a defensive midfielder. He moved from Orlando Pirates to play for Cape Town City in 2019.

However, in 2021, Mobara has been enjoying extended game-time and with more game-time comes better form. So much so that his former club Orlando Pirates made a bid, which Cape Town City matched by extending his contract for another two years. To add, he scored against Orlando Pirates this year, cementing his loyalty.

Thabo Nodada - $180K

Thabo Nodada was born in Ixopo, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, but Nodada has since moved to Cape Town to play for Cape Town City. He has proven to be a valuable player for the club and has participated in three finals and two trophies thus far.

However, this has made him a player in demand, and he would have been off to Turkey if he did not get injured just before the start of the 2021/22 season. Some things are just out of our control, and it looks like Nodada is adopting a Stoic attitude.

Rivaldo Coetzee - $250k

Rivaldo Coetzee plays as a defender for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team. Unfortunately, he was not selected for the national side for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

He is a graduate from Ajax Cape Town, making his professional debut at only the age of 17, and made just under 100 appearances for the club before he made his move to Sundowns, where he has been a colossal force in the midfield leading to his nomination for the "2020/21 DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season" award.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele - $240k

Sometimes we make decisions that we regret. Ramahlwe Mphahlele was the butt of many a joke over the last five years, for having made a "bad move" in 2016 when he left his captaincy role at Mamelodi Sundowns to join the Kaizer Chiefs.

He had to watch from screen how his former team won the CAF Champions League, becoming only the second South African team to do so (after the Orland Pirates). However, he seemed to get a chance to have the last laugh when he reached the CAF Final with the chiefs. However, they lost 3-0, and so bitter is the regret.

Keletso Sifama - $100k

Keletso Sifama arrived at Chiefs in 2018, after playing in the Gauteng Development League. He did not start initially, and was promoted to the Reserve League Team under coach Arthur Zwane’s mentorship, and made his debut in 2020 for the Amakhosi.

However, he did not get enough game time, and so the 17-year-old arrives in KwaZulu-Natal after making just three appearances for Chiefs in all competitions this season. He will meet his former coach, Ernst Middendorp, who handed him his Premier Soccer League debut against Polokwane City in August 2020.

Daniel Cardoso - $195k

Daniel Cardoso in 2021 is frustratedly trying to break his team's trophy drought. You can't blame him either. He belongs to the most decorated club in the history of South African soccer, but he has yet to win a trophy with the side.

He is the Chiefs' strongman as a tough-as-nails central defender. He was brought by the Chiefs from the Free State Stars in 2015, just after the Chiefs landed the double by winning the league as well as the MTN8 cup. Will this be the magic season for Cardoso?

Kgotso Moleko - unknown

Kgotso Moleko's nine-year stint at Amakhosi, the nickname for The Kaizer Chiefs, because they did not renew his contract, and so he is now a free agent. It means that another club will not have to pay contract fees, and fortunately, the defender has attracted interest from many local clubs.

However, while he will not be in a rush to sign with another team, it is not a good idea to sit idly while the new season. Fortunately, he was picked up by KwaZulu-Natal's best team, AmaZulu. He plays as a defender.

Happy Mashiane - $215k

Happy Mashiane seems like a nice guy. His favorite music is the gospel, his favorite food "pap and wors" (a local South African meal made of maize and sausage with a tomatoes relish). He plays for the Kaizer Chiefs.

On the eve of Kaizer Chiefs’ departure to Morocco to face Al Ahly in the final of the 2021 CAF Champions League, the midfield dynamo made a promise. It was to his mother, saying he would not come back home empty-handed. Unfortunately, his team lost the final, but we are sure his Mom forgave him.

Philani Zulu - $180k

Philani Zulu's salary was vastly improved when he moved from Maritzburg to Chiefs four years ago was shown the door at Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the 2020/21 season. Almost immediately, he was snapped up by AmaZulu after securing a lucrative deal that was set on similar terms with his deal at AmaKhosi. He is set to replace Sibusiso Mabiliso.

Mabiliso left a big hole in the defense, but Zulu will fill it on the left flank or as a defensive midfielder. Of course, he will still feel hard-done-by, as he made 36 appearances which means he was one of the more established players.

Bernard Parker - $240k

Bernard Parker started his playing career for Thanda Royal Zulu in the Premier Soccer League. He made 70 appearances for the team, which is a good record. After his year-long loan spell to Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, in 2021 he plays as a midfielder or striker for Kaizer Chiefs.

When Parker arrived at the Chiefs, he said it was like a childhood dream had come true. Parker's skill, tactical awareness, and experience mean he has been a good performer in the PSL over an extended period, which is the reason why he takes home a whopping $280k.

Dumisani  Zuma - $210k

Dumisani Zuma's middle name is "Perseverance". He was born in 1995. His mother died when he was 15, and then his father died two years later. Only three years later, he joined the PSL side Bloemfontein Celtic. The manager, Ernst Middendorp, said he was the best young talent he had ever seen.

In 2017, Zuma played as a midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs, the most storied club in the country, and made his debut for the South African national football team. Truly, he has earned the right to be called "Perseverance".