Top 10 richest soccer players in South Africa dominate headlines for a reason. Picture this: Keagan Dolly, a midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs, reportedly pockets R1.45 million monthly—yes, monthly! That’s not just a paycheck; it’s a testament to how soccer in Mzansi has evolved into a goldmine for talent. These players aren’t just kicking balls. They’re building legacies, stacking wealth, and showing us what’s possible with skill and strategy. I’ve dug into their stories—net worths, career moves, and the hustle behind the numbers. This isn’t just a list. It’s a masterclass in turning passion into profit. Ready to meet the heavy hitters?
South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) churns out stars who command hefty salaries and lucrative endorsements. Some have gone global, others stayed local, but all have one thing in common: they’ve cracked the code to millions. From goalkeepers to strikers, these athletes prove that soccer isn’t just a game—it’s a business. I’ll walk you through the top 10, spotlighting their earnings, teams, and what they’re doing with all that cash. Plus, I’ve got actionable takeaways you can use, whether you’re chasing a corner office or a spot on the pitch.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest Soccer Players in South Africa?
Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the lineup, ranked by net worth as of March 2025. I’ve updated figures where new data’s available and kept the rest grounded in the latest reliable estimates. Each player gets a deep dive—career highlights, money moves, and a tip or two you can steal.
1. Keagan Dolly – $5 Million (Kaizer Chiefs)
Keagan Dolly sits atop this pile. Born in Johannesburg on January 22, 1993, he’s 32 now and still raking it in. His monthly haul? A cool R1.45 million at Kaizer Chiefs. That’s $76,000 USD at current rates—enough to make your eyes water. Dolly kicked off his senior career with Ajax Cape Town in 2012, moved to Mamelodi Sundowns, then tested Europe with Montpellier HSC in France. He landed at Chiefs in July 2021, and that’s where the big bucks started flowing.
How’d he get here? Talent, sure—his attacking midfield play is electric. But it’s the contracts that seal it. That R1.45 million isn’t pocket change; it’s the highest reported salary in the PSL. Add endorsements—think Nike, local brands—and you’ve got a $5 million net worth. He’s not flashy, though. No public flaunting of Ferraris. Instead, he’s invested in property back home. Smart move.
Takeaway: Negotiate hard. Dolly’s salary jump came from leveraging his Sundowns success into a Chiefs deal. Know your worth, then push for it—whether it’s a raise or a side gig.
2. Thembinkosi Lorch – $5 Million (Orlando Pirates)
Next up, Thembinkosi Lorch. Born July 22, 1993, in Bloemfontein, he’s 31 and a force at Orlando Pirates. His net worth matches Dolly’s at $5 million. Lorch isn’t just a player; he’s a brand. Named South African Player of the Season in 2019, he’s got the stats—and the swagger—to back it up. His salary’s rumored at R300,000 monthly ($15,800), but endorsements and bonuses push him higher.
Lorch’s journey started with Maluti FET College, a humble launchpad. Pirates scooped him up, and he’s been a winger to watch ever since. Off the field, he’s dipped into fashion collabs—think local streetwear. It’s not just about goals; it’s about building a name that sells.
Takeaway: Diversify. Lorch’s side hustles amplify his income. Find a passion project—clothing, content, whatever—and turn it into cash.
3. Anthony Laffor – $5 Million (Chippa United)
Anthony Laffor hails from Monrovia, Liberia, born February 17, 1985. At 40, he’s still in the game with Chippa United. His net worth? $5 million. Laffor’s a journeyman—Supersport United, Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, now Chippa since March 2021. At Sundowns, he pulled R380,000 monthly ($20,000). That’s elite money for a forward-right winger.
He’s not South African, but Mzansi’s been his cash cow. No major endorsement deals stand out, but his long career—stretching back to 2005—shows consistency pays. Word is, he’s parked some earnings in real estate across borders. Quiet wealth, not loud bling.
Takeaway: Stay in the game. Laffor’s longevity proves grinding it out beats burning out. Keep showing up—your paycheck will thank you.
4. Siphiwe Tshabalala – $5 Million (Last Team AmaZulu)
Siphiwe Tshabalala’s a legend. Born September 25, 1984, in Soweto, he’s 40 and clubless since AmaZulu in 2021. Net worth: $5 million. Remember 2010? He smashed the World Cup’s opening goal against Mexico. Iconic. His career—Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stars, AmaZulu—built that fortune. Chiefs paid him well, reportedly R400,000 monthly ($21,000) at his peak.
Tshabalala’s also a pioneer—first with Nike’s CTR360 Maestri sneakers alongside Cesc Fàbregas. Post-retirement, he’s leaned into media gigs and youth coaching. The money’s still there, just quieter now.
Takeaway: Build a legacy. Tshabalala’s World Cup moment lives forever—and pays forever. Create something memorable; it’s your safety net.
5. Kermit Erasmus – $3 Million (Magesi FC )
Kermit Erasmus steps in here. Born July 8, 1990, in Port Elizabeth, he’s 34 and thriving at Magesi FC. Net worth: $3 million. Salary’s around R250,000 monthly ($13,200), but bonuses push it. He debuted with Supersport United in 2007, went abroad to Feyenoord and Excelsior in the Netherlands, then bounced back—Cape Town City, now Pirates.
He’s a striker with flair. Endorsements? Think Puma. He’s got a car collection—BMW, Audi—and keeps it chill. Solid player, solid money.
Takeaway: Bounce back. Erasmus’s overseas dip didn’t stop him. Fail, learn, return stronger.
6. Sibusiso Vilakazi – $5 Million (TS Galaxy)
Sibusiso Vilakazi, born December 29, 1989, in Soweto, is 35 and thriving at TS Galaxy. Net worth: $5 million. He’s an attacking midfielder with trophies—Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season. His career: Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, now Galaxy. Salary’s around R350,000 monthly ($18,400).
Vilakazi’s wealth isn’t loud—no yacht selfies. He’s invested in community projects, like soccer academies. It’s profit with purpose.
Takeaway: Give back strategically. Vilakazi’s community work builds goodwill—and networks. Help others; it’ll circle back.
7. Bongani Zungu – $4 Million (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Bongani Zungu, born October 9, 1992, in Duduza, is 32 and back at Mamelodi Sundowns. Net worth: $4 million. Midfielder, high earner—R700,000 monthly ($36,800). He’s bounced around—University of Pretoria, Europe with Amiens SC, now Sundowns again. His stint abroad padded the bank.
Zungu’s got a car obsession—Mercedes, BMWs. No major endorsements, but his salary’s a beast. He’s still climbing.
Takeaway: Take risks. Zungu’s Europe move paid off. Step out of your comfort zone—it’s where the money hides.
8. Itumeleng Khune – $4 Million (Kaizer Chiefs)
Itumeleng Khune’s a name you know. Born June 20, 1987, in Ventersdorp, he’s 37 and Kaizer Chiefs’ veteran goalkeeper. Net worth: $4 million. Salary: R450,000-R480,000 monthly ($23,700-$25,300). Since 2004, he’s been Chiefs’ rock. Captain, legend, earner.
Khune’s got a Johannesburg house, a Mercedes fleet. Endorsements—think Adidas—add up. He’s the one-man club king.
Takeaway: Loyalty pays. Khune stuck with Chiefs and cashed in. Find your niche, master it, and stay put.
9. Dean Furman – $3 Million (Warrington Rylands 1906)
Dean Furman, born June 22, 1988, in Cape Town, is 36 and playing in England for Warrington Rylands 1906. Net worth: $3 million. Midfielder, ex-Rangers, Bradford City, SuperSport United. His SA days built the base; Europe’s keeping it going.
Furman’s low-key—no flashy spends. Likely stashing cash in investments. Solid, not spectacular.
Takeaway: Go global. Furman’s overseas shift stretched his career—and wallet. Look abroad for growth.
10. Innocent Maela – $3 Million (Orlando Pirates)
Innocent Maela, born August 14, 1992, in Witbank, is 32 and defending for Orlando Pirates. Net worth: $3 million. Salary’s around R250,000 monthly ($13,200). He’s climbed—Witbank Spurs, Thanda Royal Zulu, now Pirates. Steady, reliable.
Maela’s not splashing cash publicly. Property’s a safe bet for him. He’s the quiet millionaire.
Takeaway: Climb steadily. Maela’s slow rise paid off. Patience beats haste every time.
Actionable Insights
These players aren’t just rich—they’re smart. Here’s what you can swipe from their playbooks:
- Maximize Your Peak: Dolly and Billiat cashed in during their prime. Strike when your value’s hot.
- Invest Early: Property pops up a lot—Laffor, Khune. Start small, buy land, grow it.
- Brand Yourself: Lorch and Tshabalala turned fame into side gigs. Build a personal brand—LinkedIn, a blog, anything.
- Stay Relevant: Khune’s longevity, Furman’s global hop—adapt or fade.
- Network: Vilakazi’s community ties open doors. Connect with people who matter.
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Conclusion
Top 10 richest soccer players in South Africa aren’t just athletes—they’re blueprints. From Dolly’s R1.45 million monthly haul to Maela’s steady climb, they’ve turned goals into gold. I’ve laid out their stories, their cash, and their moves. Now it’s your turn. Pick a lesson—negotiation, diversification, whatever—and run with it. Soccer’s their game, but success is universal. What’s your next play?
Summary: Top 10 Richest Soccer Players in South Africa
| Rank | Player | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keagan Dolly | $5 Million |
| 2 | Thembinkosi Lorch | $5 Million |
| 3 | Anthony Laffor | $5 Million |
| 4 | Siphiwe Tshabalala | $5 Million |
| 5 | Sibusiso Vilakazi | $5 Million |
| 6 | Bongani Zungu | $4 Million |
| 7 | Itumeleng Khune | $4 Million |
| 8 | Kermit Erasmus | $3 Million |
| 9 | Dean Furman | $3 Million |
| 10 | Innocent Maela | $3 Million |
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