It seems like there’s a lot of talk going around about the salary breakdowns for players in South African sports, particularly in rugby, football, and cricket.

Recently, details came out about how much Springbok players are making, and it sparked the question: How do these figures compare to the earnings of the Proteas and Bafana Bafana? Let’s dive into this interesting comparison.

Springboks’ Earnings: Breaking It Down

The most recent updates revealed that Springbok players earn a match fee of nearly R120,000, which is a significant amount.

Alongside this, players in the United Rugby Championship (URC) are guaranteed a minimum monthly salary of just under R40,000.

This puts Springboks in a pretty solid financial position compared to their counterparts in other sports.

But how does this stack up when we look at the Proteas and Bafana Bafana?

How the Proteas Stack Up in Earnings

Looking at the figures from the Proteas, the earnings are somewhat different.

According to data from 2023, Proteas players earned approximately R82,000 per Test match, R22,000 for a One-Day International, and R15,000 for a T20 match.

While these amounts are still quite impressive, it’s clear that the Springboks make significantly more on a per-match basis than the Proteas, particularly when comparing the match fees alone.

The Pay of Bafana Bafana Players

Then, there’s the question of how Bafana Bafana’s pay compares.

For 2023, Bafana players were reported to earn about R60,000 for a win and R30,000 for a draw, though these numbers could have increased over time.

Regardless, it’s evident that Bafana Bafana players are earning less than both the Springboks and Proteas, particularly in terms of match fees.

More Than Just Match Fees: Other Income Streams for the Springboks

It’s also important to note that the Springboks earn more than just match fees.

They also have other income sources, such as club contracts, sponsorships, and endorsement deals, which add to their overall earnings.

For instance, the agreement for 2024-2027 provides the following breakdown:

Springbok match-day squad: R118,197.93 per match (fully funded)
Springbok non-playing squad: R59,539 per week (fully funded)
Springbok training squad (released to province): R8,505.57 per day (fully funded)
PONI player minimum salary: R11,985 per month (partially funded)
Semi-professional player minimum salary: R6,790 per month (not specified)
Development player minimum salary: No set minimum
Springbok Sevens annual retainer: R353,062
Sevens tournament win bonus: R6,175 – R37,055 per player
Domestic franchise player minimum salary (URC/Europe): R39,575 per month
Currie Cup match fees: R2,268 (First Division), R3,394 (Premier Division) per match

What Do These Figures Tell Us?

These numbers offer a fascinating look into the financial landscape of South African sport.

Springboks are clearly making a substantial amount compared to the Proteas and Bafana Bafana, especially when it comes to match fees.

However, the full picture of their earnings includes additional income from various contracts, sponsorships, and other deals.