Sport Desk Reporter
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised the reported salary offer made to Pitso Mosimane for his return as Bafana Bafana head coach.
The party says the remuneration does not reflect Mosimane’s experience, achievements and record in African football.
According to the EFF, SAFA initially offered Mosimane R5 million a year. The party said his camp rejected the proposal during negotiations, after which the football association improved its offer.
The initial offer and subsequent salary negotiations were reported by Sunday World.
The final financial terms have not been publicly confirmed by SAFA.
Mosimane’s appointment was endorsed by SAFA’s National Executive Committee earlier this month. Final contractual arrangements still had to be concluded at the time of the announcement.
The EFF has questioned why a coach with Mosimane’s record would reportedly receive substantially less than some of his predecessors.
Mosimane has already led Bafana Bafana and went on to build one of the most successful coaching careers on the continent.
He guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their first CAF Champions League title in 2016. He later moved to Al Ahly, winning the competition in 2020 and 2021.
The three Champions League titles are among the achievements highlighted by the EFF. The party also pointed to his CAF Super Cup victories, domestic league titles and other major honours in South Africa and Egypt.
The EFF compared the reported R5 million offer with remuneration previously associated with other Bafana Bafana coaches.
Some media reports have put former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s salary at about R1.8 million a month. Joel Santana was reportedly paid around R1.4 million a month, while Mosimane’s first spell as Bafana coach was reportedly worth about R800,000 a month.
The party said the reported disparity raises questions about how Black expertise is valued in South African football.
It argued that Black professionals have historically had to achieve more while receiving less recognition and financial reward.
The EFF also questioned the resources previously made available for foreign coaches compared with the reported package being offered to Mosimane.
It said the difference was difficult to reconcile with the achievements of a South African coach who has won the CAF Champions League three times.
The party described the situation as part of what it regards as a continuing colonial approach to valuing expertise.
It argued that African professionals should not be undervalued while foreign expertise receives greater financial recognition.
The EFF has called on SAFA to review the offer and ensure Mosimane’s remuneration reflects his experience, qualifications and achievements.
It also wants the football association to account publicly for the reported difference between Mosimane’s proposed package and the remuneration paid to previous Bafana Bafana coaches.
The salary debate comes as Mosimane prepares for a second spell in charge of the national team.
For the EFF, however, the issue goes beyond the appointment of one coach. The party says it raises broader questions about transformation and the recognition of Black professionals who have achieved at the highest level.