Ex-SAFA TD reveals South Africa U-20 coach's poor perks

Mdaka: Photo Credit: Ray Mdaka Facebook page.

Former South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Director Walter Steenbok has revealed the salary range of Under-20 national team coach Raymond Mdaka.

The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns head of scouting revealed that the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach takes home an underwhelming paycheck, considering what he has achieved for South African football.

The 50-year-old suggested that Mdaka’s poor perks reflect how black South African coaches are undermined in the Rainbow Nation.

“The level of respect for black professionals and the level of respect for black excellence is unbelievable,” he told the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

He also disclosed that the under-20 coach struggled to earn a contract with SAFA. “We fought for two years to get coach Mdaka a contract. You can call the coach [and verify],” Steenbok said.

The ex-TD said South African football authorities undermine coaches based on race. “We don’t respect black excellence. We don’t respect black professionals, and this is open. I have evidence in abundance that I keep all the time. Coach Mdaka doesn’t earn more than R25,000, and he is on a one-year contract,” Steenbok explained.

The Limpopo-born Mdaka guided South Africa to their first-ever Under-20 AFCON trophy after beating Morocco 1-0 in last Sunday's final.

The interview delved into many issues, including why he left SAFA. The association has since advertised the TD post following Steenbok’s exit.