South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) continues to grow in prestige, attracting top local and international talent with highly competitive salaries. In 2025, several players are earning remarkable figures, not only for their skillsets but also for their marketability, experience, and leadership. These athletes contribute immensely to the success of their clubs and the entertainment of football lovers across the continent.
In this comprehensive post, we explore the top seven highest-paid footballers in South Africa for 2025. We’ll look into how much they earn, the clubs they play for, and what makes them indispensable to their teams.
1. Keagan Dolly – Kaizer Chiefs
Monthly Salary: R1.45 million
Keagan Dolly remains South Africa’s highest-paid footballer in 2025, earning an impressive R1.45 million monthly with Kaizer Chiefs. The attacking midfielder has carved out an illustrious career both locally and internationally, having previously played for Montpellier in France’s Ligue 1.
Dolly’s return to the PSL was a significant boost to Kaizer Chiefs, a team seeking to regain its dominance. His creativity, ability to unlock defenses, and leadership on the pitch make him a cornerstone of the squad. Beyond his technical ability, Dolly’s work rate, experience, and maturity make him a fan favorite and a valuable asset for any coach.
His high salary reflects not just his quality but also the value Kaizer Chiefs place on attracting and retaining top talent amid increasing competition within the league.
2. Sipho “The Rocket” Mkhize – Mamelodi Sundowns
Monthly Salary: R2.3 million
Sipho Mkhize, popularly known as “The Rocket,” commands a staggering R2.3 million monthly salary—placing him at the top of Sundowns’ payroll and among the league’s elite earners.
A graduate of the Sundowns Youth Academy, Mkhize has blossomed into a lethal forward known for his incredible speed, clinical finishing, and tactical intelligence. His rise has been meteoric, and his goal-scoring prowess has made him a consistent match-winner.
Mkhize’s massive earnings are justified by his contributions. He consistently finishes among the top scorers in the league and has helped Mamelodi Sundowns dominate both locally and in the CAF Champions League. His popularity extends beyond South African borders, making him a marketable star in African football.
3. Samir Nurković – Formerly TS Galaxy (Free Agent)
Monthly Salary: R930,000 (contract payout)
Despite currently being a free agent, Serbian striker Samir Nurković remains one of South Africa's highest-paid players due to contractual obligations. Nurković previously featured for Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM before signing with TS Galaxy. However, his contract with Galaxy was terminated prematurely.
Despite his release, Nurković is still owed a substantial amount from his R12 million contract, translating to about R930,000 per month. This places him among the highest earners, albeit as a non-active player in the PSL.
Nurković gained popularity during his time at Kaizer Chiefs, where his strong physical presence, aerial ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a fan favorite. Although currently without a club, his name continues to echo in PSL salary discussions due to his existing contract entitlements.
4. Bongani Zungu – Mamelodi Sundowns
Monthly Salary: R700,000
Bongani Zungu made a high-profile return to South African football when he rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns after years in Europe. His overseas career saw him play in top leagues in Portugal (Vitoria Guimarães), France (Amiens), and Scotland (Rangers FC).
Zungu’s return added much-needed experience and stability to the Sundowns midfield. Known for his composure, passing range, and defensive awareness, Zungu quickly slotted into the heart of the team’s midfield setup.
His R700,000 monthly salary is reflective of his quality and pedigree. As a seasoned campaigner with both domestic and international experience, Zungu remains a valuable cog in Sundowns' pursuit of both domestic and continental glory.
5. Andile Jali – Moroka Swallows
Monthly Salary: R550,000 – R600,000
Andile Jali, one of the most experienced midfielders in South African football, joined Moroka Swallows following his unexpected exit from Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite the controversial nature of his departure, Jali has continued to show his class and consistency at Swallows.
Earning between R550,000 and R600,000 monthly, Jali is one of the highest earners in the league. His tactical understanding, strength in challenges, and ability to control the tempo of games make him a key figure at Swallows.
Jali previously enjoyed a successful stint in Belgium with KV Oostende and has won numerous domestic trophies. His leadership and professionalism are vital to Swallows’ project, and his high salary reflects his continued relevance in the league.
6. Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
Monthly Salary: R500,000
Ronwen Williams has long been considered one of South Africa’s best goalkeepers, and his move from SuperSport United to Mamelodi Sundowns solidified that status. Currently earning R500,000 monthly, Williams is not only a consistent performer but also the captain of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Since his transfer in 2022, Williams has brought stability and reliability to Sundowns’ goalkeeping department. He notably broke the record for clean sheets in a single season during the 2022/23 campaign with 18 shutouts.
His leadership qualities, organizational skills, and world-class saves make him one of the league’s most important players. His salary is a reflection of his talent, experience, and influence both on and off the field.
7. Sibusiso “Sbu” Dlamini – SuperSport United
Monthly Salary: R1.3 million
Sibusiso Dlamini, affectionately called “Sbu,” has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the PSL. At just 26 years old, he’s become the focal point of SuperSport United’s attack and a player to watch in South African football.
Earning a massive R1.3 million monthly, Dlamini is not only the top earner at SuperSport but also among the top-paid players in the entire league. His versatility allows him to play as a central striker, winger, or even behind the front line, giving his team numerous attacking options.
Dlamini's flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him a crowd favorite. He’s also drawn interest from international scouts, hinting at a possible future move abroad. For now, though, his salary reflects his role as a game-changer in the domestic league.
Final Thoughts
The high salaries commanded by these footballers underline the growing financial muscle of South African football, particularly in the PSL. Clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and SuperSport United are willing to invest heavily in top-tier talent to ensure on-field success and maintain a strong commercial presence.
While some might argue that these salaries are steep, the value these players bring through performances, leadership, and brand visibility makes them worth every rand. As the league continues to expand its audience across Africa and beyond, we can expect more local and international stars to feature among the highest earners in the seasons ahead.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a budding footballer dreaming of PSL stardom, these athletes serve as a testament to what’s possible with hard work, talent, and dedication.
