Most Paid Player in PSL: Top Salaries in 2025

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) boasts salaries that rival some European leagues, with the most paid player in PSL, Samir Nurkovic, reportedly earning R930,000 monthly before becoming a free agent in 2025. The league’s financial growth has transformed it into a hub for top talent, attracting players from across Africa and beyond. Salaries reflect not just skill but marketability, club budgets, and fan appeal.

This article dives into the top 25 highest-paid players in the PSL for 2025, explores why these figures matter, and offers practical insights for businesses, clubs, and aspiring players. From Mamelodi Sundowns’ deep pockets to Kaizer Chiefs’ strategic signings, the PSL’s salary landscape reveals much about the business of soccer.

Most Paid Player in PSL: Samir Nurkovic’s Dominance

Samir Nurkovic, a Serbian striker, holds the title of the most paid player in PSL, with a monthly salary of R930,000 during his stint at TS Galaxy. Now a free agent, he’s reportedly close to signing with SuperSport United. His towering presence and goal-scoring prowess justify the hefty paycheck. Nurkovic’s journey—from Kaizer Chiefs to Royal AM and TS Galaxy—shows how foreign talent can thrive in South Africa. At 32, his marketability remains strong, with clubs valuing his experience and physicality. But Nurkovic isn’t alone. The PSL’s top earners include a mix of local heroes and international stars, each commanding salaries that reflect their on-field impact and off-field appeal.

Top 25 Highest-Paid PSL Players in 2025

The following list, updated for 2025, ranks the highest-paid players based on available data, with adjustments for recent transfers and market trends. Salaries are approximate, reflecting monthly earnings in South African Rand.

1. Samir Nurkovic – R930,000
   • Position: Striker
   • Current Team: Free Agent (linked to SuperSport United)
   • Nurkovic’s R930,000 salary at TS Galaxy set a benchmark. His 1.87-meter frame and clinical finishing made him a fan favorite. Expect his next contract to maintain or exceed this figure.
2. Deon Hotto – R500,000
   • Position: Midfielder
   • Current Team: Orlando Pirates
   • Hotto’s versatility and two goals in the 2022/2023 season keep him among the elite. His R500,000 salary reflects his importance to the Pirates.
3. Itumeleng Khune – R480,000
   • Position: Goalkeeper
   • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
   • At 37, Khune remains Kaizer Chiefs’ highest earner. His leadership and part-time plumbing gig add intrigue to his storied career.
4. Thapelo Morena – R400,000
   • Position: Midfielder/Defender
   • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
   • Morena’s adaptability across positions earns him R400,000 monthly. His 2016 move to Sundowns was a career-defining leap.
5. Brian Onyango – R380,000
   • Position: Defender
   • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
   • The Kenyan center-back’s R380,000 salary underscores his defensive reliability for Sundowns.
6. Zitha Macheke (Kwinika) – R370,000
   • Position: Defender
   • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
   • Kwinika’s return to Kaizer Chiefs in 2022 boosted his earnings to R370,000. His passing and attacking instincts stand out.
7. Erwin Saavedra – R350,000
   • Position: Midfielder
   • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
   • The Bolivian’s R350,000 salary reflects his international pedigree and versatility.
8. Sipho Mbule – R350,000
   • Position: Midfielder
   • Current Team: Sekhukhune United (on loan from Sundowns)
   • Mbule’s loan move hasn’t dimmed his R350,000 earnings, tied to his Sundowns contract.
9. Kermit Erasmus – R350,000
   • Position: Forward
   • Current Team: Free Agent (linked to Cape Town Spurs)
   • Nicknamed “The Frog,” Erasmus earned R350,000 at Orlando Pirates. His next move could adjust this figure.
10. Mosa Lebusa – R300,000
    • Position: Defender
    • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
    • Lebusa’s R300,000 salary matches his reliability at center-back or left-back.
11. Ashley Du Preez – R300,000
    • Position: Forward
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Du Preez’s game insight earns him R300,000, with potential for growth.
12. Gaston Sirino – R300,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Sirino’s 2024 move to Chiefs maintained his R300,000 salary, reflecting his playmaking skills.
13. Yusuf Maart – R300,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Maart’s decision-making earns him R300,000, solidified by his 2022 Chiefs signing.
14. Abubeker Nassir – R290,000
    • Position: Forward
    • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
    • The Ethiopian’s R290,000 salary highlights his potential, drawing interest from African clubs.
15. Themba Zwane – R250,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
    • Zwane, aka Mshishi, earns R250,000 for his attacking flair.
16. Mothobi Mvala – R250,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
    • Mvala’s R250,000 salary reflects his Bafana Bafana contributions.
17. Eric Mathoho – R220,000
    • Position: Defender
    • Current Team: Free Agent
    • Mathoho’s R220,000 at Kaizer Chiefs was notable before his departure.
18. Evidence Makgopa – R200,000
    • Position: Forward
    • Current Team: Orlando Pirates
    • Makgopa’s R200,000 salary aligns with his rising star status.
19. Fortune Makaringe – R185,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Cape Town City
    • Makaringe’s R185,000 at Pirates likely increased with his 2024 City move.
20. Maliele Vincent Pule – R170,000
    • Position: Forward
    • Current Team: SuperSport United
    • Pule’s R170,000 at Pirates may have risen at SuperSport.
21. Thembinkosi Lorch – R165,000
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Current Team: Mamelodi Sundowns
    • Lorch’s R165,000 salary reflects his 2019 Player of the Season honors.
22. Reeve Frosler – R150,000
    • Position: Defender
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Frosler’s R150,000 salary suits his precise tackling.
23. Ranga Chivaviro – R150,000
    • Position: Forward
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Chivaviro’s R150,000 salary matches his powerful shooting.
24. Dillon Solomons – R120,000
    • Position: Defender
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Solomons earns R120,000 for his technical skills.
25. Edmilson Dove – R105,000
    • Position: Defender
    • Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs
    • Dove’s R105,000 salary reflects his versatility.

Why Do Some Players Earn More?

High salaries in the PSL stem from a blend of factors. Skill is paramount—players like Nurkovic and Hotto deliver consistent goals or assists. Marketability matters too. Stars like Khune draw crowds, boosting ticket sales and merchandise. Club budgets play a role; Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have deeper pockets than smaller teams. Foreign players often command premiums for their unique skills, as seen with Nurkovic and Saavedra. Experience also counts—veterans like Zwane bring leadership that justifies their pay. Finally, endorsements amplify earnings. Players with strong social media followings, like Lorch, attract sponsors, indirectly inflating their value.

Club Strategies for Managing High Salaries

Paying top dollar isn’t reckless spending. Clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns balance salaries with revenue from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and CAF Champions League earnings. Kaizer Chiefs leverage their massive fanbase for merchandise sales, offsetting costs. Orlando Pirates focus on developing young talent like Makgopa to keep budgets sustainable. Smaller clubs, like Sekhukhune United, use loan deals (e.g., Mbule) to access talent without long-term commitments. Financial discipline is key. Clubs monitor wage-to-revenue ratios, typically aiming for 50-60%, to avoid debt. Mismanagement, as seen in some past PSL teams, can lead to bankruptcy.

Business Opportunities with High Earners

High-paid players are marketing gold. Businesses can partner with stars like Nurkovic for endorsements, tapping into their fanbases. Social media campaigns featuring players like Lorch, with his 300,000+ Instagram followers, can drive brand visibility. Sponsorships are another avenue—companies like Vodacom and DStv align with PSL clubs for exposure. Local businesses can sponsor matchday events or player awards to gain traction. For example, a Johannesburg restaurant could offer a “Nurkovic Burger” during games, tying promotions to player fame. The key is authenticity—fans reject inauthentic partnerships.

The Broader Impact of High Salaries

High salaries elevate the PSL’s global profile, attracting talent from Ethiopia, Bolivia, and beyond. They also inspire young South Africans, showing that local leagues can offer lucrative careers. But there’s a flip side. Wage inflation can strain smaller clubs, widening the gap between giants like Sundowns and minnows like Cape Town Spurs. Fans sometimes grumble, feeling ticket prices rise to cover salaries. Yet, the economic ripple effect is undeniable—players’ spending boosts local businesses, from car dealerships to restaurants. The PSL’s financial health, with clubs receiving R2 million monthly, ensures stability.

Actuarial Science Salary in South Africa: 2025 Guide

Conclusion: Most Paid Player in PSL

The most paid player in PSL, Samir Nurkovic, symbolizes the league’s ambition. His R930,000 salary reflects a growing market where talent commands top dollar. From Khune’s leadership to Lorch’s flair, these players drive the PSL’s success. Businesses can capitalize on their fame, clubs must balance budgets, and aspiring players should chase both skill and brand. The PSL’s salary landscape isn’t just about numbers—it’s about dreams, strategy, and the beautiful game’s enduring pull. Stay tuned as 2025 unfolds; the next big signing could redefine the league!

---

Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!