Maema blows the whistle: SAFA still owes Bafana stars CHAN bonuses

Half a year after the final whistle blew at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Bafana Bafana squad is still waiting for their paychecks from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Team captain Neo Maema has confirmed that the SAFA has failed to honour bonus agreements, despite allegedly receiving funds from CAF months ago.

The tournament, which was held in August 2025 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, saw a South African side led by former Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki finish third in a competitive Group C. While the team narrowly missed out on the knockout stages, the real battle, it seems, began after they returned home.

Broken Promises and Missing R100k, Bafana CHAN Captain

Each member of the squad was reportedly due approximately R100,000 in bonuses. Speaking on Sports Night Amplified with Andile on Metro FM, Maema expressed the frustration of a squad that feels abandoned by their governing body.

“Yeah, they haven’t paid, and from me being the captain, I can say, testify that they haven’t paid,” Maema revealed. “By the look of things, that’s how it went, that’s the situation we’re in right now.”

According to the Bafana CHAN skipper Maema, SAFA had initially targeted a year-end payout, a deadline that has since come and gone without explanation.

“They got the money from CAF in October to be precise, and they promised to pay us before December. That was the reason and agreement… we have to have the money at least for December,” he added.

The “Unemployed” Bafana Squad Left Hanging

The situation is particularly dire considering the composition of the squad Ntseki took to East Africa. While the team featured veterans like Keagan Dolly, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, and Zakhele Lepasa, a significant portion of the roster consisted of players who were clubless at the time. For these individuals, the R100,000 bonus wasn’t just a reward—it was a financial lifeline.

Despite a respectable showing—including a victory over Guinea and draws against Algeria and co-hosts Uganda—the players’ efforts on the pitch have yet to be met with the promised financial compensation off it.

Efforts to get clarity from SAFA headquarters have proven futile. CEO Lydia Monyepao was unavailable for comment regarding the delay or the current status of the CAF funds mentioned by Maema.

As the 180-day mark passes, the “unlucky day” in Cape Town for local football seems to have extended into the boardroom, leaving some of the nation’s most experienced players in a state of financial limbo.