Top earners in South African football: Who’s making the most?
Here are the top earners in South African football, with Keagan Dolly (pictured right) leading at R.145 million per month, followed by Samir Nurkovic, Khama Billiat, Bongani Zungu, and Andile Jali. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Although the salaries of the top players in South Africa are generally kept under wraps by their respective clubs in the Betway Premiership, there are indeed a number of reputable sources which allow the public a look into the wages of the best players.
It’s interesting to note that the richest club in South Africa and the continent, Mamelodi Sundowns, doesn’t have a player in the top three.
Meanwhile, SA’s most popular club - Kaizer Chiefs - doesn’t have a player in the top three either.
The player who actually earns the most is not based in South Africa, and it will come as little surprise to avid football fans that he is Mzansi’s top earner. But without any further ado, here are the top earners in SA football.
Graphic: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
1. Keagan Dolly (TS Galaxy) R.145m per month
While the 33-year-old Keagan Dolly recently moved from Chiefs to TS Galaxy last season, there are rumours he will be joining Cape Town City soon.
2. Samir Nurkovic (SuperSport United) R930k per month
The 33-year-old Serbian Samir Nurkovic is currently on the books of SuperSport United, but also spent three years with Chiefs from 2019 to 2022.
3. Khama Billiat (Scottland FC) R850k per month
At 35, Khama Billiat is in his twilight years as a professional footballer and currently plies his trade for Scottland FC in Zimbabwe. During his peak, Billiat was with Sundowns from 2013 to 2018 before moving down the N1 to Chiefs from 2018 to 2023.
4. Bongani Zungu (AmaZulu) R700k per month
The 32-year-old midfielder Bongani Zungu spent two years with Sundowns before making the switch to AmaZulu in 2024.
5. Andile Jali (Chippa) R600k per month
Another 35-year-old on the list, Andile Jali currently plays for Chippa United but has also represented Sundowns (2018 to 2023) and Orlando Pirates (2009 to 2014) during his career.
Percy Tau (Al Ahly) R2m per month
Though he doesn't play his football in South Africa any longer, Percy Tau takes home a salary of of a reported R2m per month. Earlier this month, Tau signed for Vietnamese outfit Thep Xanh Nam Dinh.
*The figures in this article are approximate for player earnings in South Africa between 2023 and 2025, and have not been confirmed the by the clubs.