Sinesipho Mali says 2026 World Cup bonus remains unpaid

Former Bafana Bafana head of performance analysis Sinesipho Mali says he is still waiting for his contractual bonus from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and does not own either of the South Africa national team’s jerseys.

Mali left his position in July after four years with Bafana Bafana. He raised the issue on X on Sunday morning while responding to a verified post claiming that 40 South African Football Association (SAFA) NEC members had each received R150, 000 in honoraria during the month.

The post also reported that Bafana Bafana players had not received their World Cup bonuses.

“I went to the World Cup (qualified with the team). I have no Bafana Bafana jersey (both home and away),” Mali wrote.

“I have not received my bonus (contractual obligation).

“No explanation. We receive the news like everybody else (public statements but no letter or message about our bonuses).”

Mali was part of the Bafana Bafana technical set-up during the FIFA World Cup, where South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in the group stages to reach the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history.

The result came after criticism from South African supporters over Bafana Bafana’s performance in their opening match against co-hosts Mexico, which ended in a 2-0 defeat.

Mali, a former Kaizer Chiefs scout, subsequently reacted to comments made by football fans. He said emotions got the better of him as he responded to what had been said to him, adding that he was subjected to even more severe emotional abuse.

Since leaving Bafana Bafana, Mali has joined Betway Premiership club AmaZulu FC, where he is head of football strategy.