Sinesipho Mali says World Cup bonus remains unpaid after historic Bafana campaign

Sinesipho Mali says he is still waiting for his 2026 FIFA World Cup bonus and has revealed that he did not receive either the home or away Bafana Bafana jersey during the tournament.

Mali was part of the Bafana Bafana technical team that reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time. He also said there had been no direct communication from the South African Football Association (SAFA) explaining why payments had been delayed.

“I have not received my bonus (contractual obligation),” Mali wrote on Sunday morning.

He was responding to a verified post on X claiming that 40 members of the SAFA NEC had each received R150 000 in honoraria this month.

Bafana Bafana players have reportedly also not been paid their World Cup bonuses, despite South Africa’s historic run at the tournament. Mali’s comments indicate that members of the technical team are affected as well.

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

Mali spent four years with the national team before leaving his role as head of performance analysis in July, shortly after the World Cup. The former Kaizer Chiefs scout has since joined AmaZulu as sporting director.

His time at the tournament included criticism from supporters after South Africa opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by co-hosts Mexico. Bafana Bafana recovered in their next match, beating South Korea 1-0 to secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Mali also said he returned from the World Cup without either of the national team’s official playing shirts.

“I went to the World Cup (qualified with the team).

“I have no Bafana Bafana jersey (both home and away),” he said.

Mali was pictured during the 2026 International Friendly between Bafana Bafana and Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium in March.