If the latest figures on how much some coaches in the DStv Premiership are earning, South African football clubs deserve a round of applause, writes Menzi Magubane.
South African football has been steadily growing in the past years as far as professionalism is concerned. Because of this, the league attracts big sponsors, big-name players, and coaches from outside of its borders.
Who would have thought players from Egypt and Morocco would be interested in playing in South Africa? Not me, that’s for sure.
The two nations have the best leagues on the continent and most players wouldn’t hesitate to play in the two countries when the opportunity presents itself.
Over the years, local football has managed to catch up with them and South Africa’s domestic league is regarded as one of the best in Africa.
But what has caught my attention is how local clubs have broadened their investment. In recent years clubs would spend large sums of money in buying and paying players.
Coaches were at the back of the queue and nothing much was said about how much they took home come the end of the month. The latest figures are mouthwatering and coaches seem to be smiling all the way to the bank.
In the current season, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane is the highest paid with R800,000 per month. That amounts to R9.6 million per year for the three-year contract he signed with Amakhosi last July.
Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi is in second with R750,000 per month and R9 million per year.
Downs head coach Rulani Mokwena and Cape Town City’s Eric Tinkler are tied in third with R7.8 million per year, while Steve Komphela is in fourth with R7.2 million per year.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is fifth with R4.8 million.
Previously a CityPress report in 2011 claimed that the top coach in South Africa earned R500,000 a month, however did not mention which manager that was.
The investigation added that the second highest paid bosses received R350,000 a month.
The report did suggest that the manager belonged to Sundowns, Chiefs or Pirates.
Pictured above: Arthur Zwane
Image source: The South African
