- A financial adviser has revealed how much tax Bafana Bafana players could pay to SARS on their FIFA World Cup earnings of almost R1.6 million.
- Based on South Africa's income tax structure, players earning this bonus could have a deduction of approximately 44%, leaving only R900,000 after tax.
- The clarification also highlights how top earners such as national team goalkeeper Ronwen Williams are already taxed at high marginal rates, impacting additional income sources.
- Briefly News spoke to financial advisor Modern Munya, who revealed how much tax Bafana Bafana players are likely to pay on their FIFA bonuses and shared advice on how to handle the big windfall wisely.
Source: Getty Images
A video shared by financial content creator @money_modern has gone viral, in which he explains the potential tax implications of the reported R1.6 million bonus each player is expected to receive for the Help. South Africa Reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In South Africa, this type of income is generally considered taxable income and is subject to personal income tax under SARS rules. Based on the current progressive tax system, earnings at this level would place most players in a higher tax bracket, where the marginal tax rate is approximately 41% to 45% depending on total annual income and individual circumstances. The financial adviser also pointed out that many professional footballers already earn significant salaries from their clubs, which puts them in a higher tax bracket before adding any international bonuses.
For example, Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reportedly earns around R6 million per year at club level. At this income threshold, he will already be taxed at an effective rate close to the top marginal tax bracket. This means that any additional income, such as FIFA bonuses or endorsements, is likely to be taxed at an equally high rate as it is added to his total taxable income for the year.
Source: Getty Images
Understanding SARS Income Tax Structure
South Africa uses a progressive tax system, meaning that higher earners pay a higher percentage of tax on their share of income. For high-income professionals, including athletes and executives, taxable income above certain limits may be taxed at a rate of 45%. While allowances, deductions and retirement contributions can reduce taxable income slightly, large lump sum payments such as international sports bonuses are generally still subject to standard income tax rules.
Although FIFA earnings represent a significant financial reward, the details highlight how taxation significantly reduces the final amount players receive in hand. It also shows that professional athletes in South Africa, particularly those already earning top-tier club salaries, operate within a tax system that ensures that additional income is fully attributable to SARS.
Modern Munya told news in brief Many South Africans underestimate how much tax is deducted from bonuses and additional income, whether it's workplace bonuses or multimillion-rand payouts.
“I think a lot of South Africans underestimate how much big bonuses are taxed, 100% of course. This doesn't just apply to soccer players. Someone with a regular job receiving a bonus of R20,000, R50,000 or R100,000 often doesn't realize the tax implications of the extra income. In this particular example, players like Guyton McKenzie each Will also receive R200,000, and will pay 45% tax on that.”
Speaking about common financial mistakes, Munya pointed out that many people fail to use windfall money to strengthen their financial position.
“The biggest mistake people make is not what they do, but what they don't do. They don't pay off debt, they don't build a safety net, and they don't invest. Instead, they spend money, getting themselves into debt and missing the opportunity to build long-term financial security.”
Munya encouraged professional athletes to treat big payouts as long-term wealth rather than short-term spending money.
“Professional athletes earn huge sums of money in relatively short careers. You have to have targets and ask yourself, 'After this R30 million or R50 million contract, how much do I want to leave with?' It won't be the same for everyone, but you need a plan so that after taxes and expenses you can build wealth that will last long after your playing career is over.”
see tikTok video Below:
Mzansi surprised at SARS cuts
South Africans are expressing extreme confusion and shock over the financial failure of a massive prize pool payout, with people questioning why local players are reportedly only getting R1.6 million out of a total of $23 million while debating the huge tax implications and foreign rebates involved.
The Scots asked:
“700K tax? 😭😭”
kotoanoophane.kma explained:
“There will be a s6quat exemption, an exemption given on foreign taxes. They will still be taxed at 45% and they will be compensated with double the tax for the 30% US tax.”
Neil_Kruger asked:
“Surely it's not $1.6 million? That's what I read.”
Durban boy asked:
“South Africa made a total of $23 million, how are the players only getting R1.6 million?”.
The Forex analyst shared:
“I earn in GBP here in SA and have only been taxed using my local TIN once in the last 4 years. But who am I to say anything. 🤐”
Meli asked:
“Do you mind teaching me tax for this upcoming semester? 😭”
Pumpi asked:
“How much does Ronwen make at Sundown?! 😱”
Lihleshabs said:
“The 700k tax is really appalling!”
Dinesh Harpal explained:
“So they're paying super tax. Less than half are paid in taxes. 🤔”
Mcusi_bongstr said:
“Wow, this is yet too much tax for a system that honestly isn't doing anything good with it.”
Khaya Ndlovu said:
“There's always talk about football money. When will we talk about rugby money? I'll wait…”
3 other brief news about tax
Source: News in Brief