Bafana Bafana players threaten to boycott 2027 AFCON qualifiers over unpaid World Cup bonuses

South African players are considering boycotting the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over unpaid bonuses from the 2026 World Cup tournament.

A chunk of the players who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are furious with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and are said to be demanding their bonuses following the team’s impressive performances in North America.

Despite receiving money from FIFA, the South African football authority has yet to settle the players’ bonuses ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

According to a source, the association had promised to settle the outstanding payments last week, but that has allegedly not happened.

The reported dispute comes at a particularly sensitive time for the national team, with Bafana Bafana expected to assemble next week to begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in their opening qualifying fixtures as they begin their campaign to secure a place at the next continental showpiece.

However, the uncertainty surrounding the alleged unpaid bonuses could overshadow preparations and place SAFA under pressure to resolve the matter before the players report for international duty.

It remains to be seen whether the players will proceed with their plans to honour the upcoming camp or whether their dissatisfaction over the delayed payments could lead to a boycott.

The situation could also present an early challenge for the national team’s new leadership, with the players’ morale and commitment likely to be crucial as South Africa begins another important qualifying campaign.

SAFA will now be expected to provide clarity on the reported outstanding payments and address the concerns of the players as quickly as possible.

With the Guinea and Eritrea fixtures fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether the Bafana Bafana players report for camp as scheduled or take a stronger stance against the association over the alleged unpaid World Cup bonuses.

The coming days could therefore prove crucial in determining whether the reported payment dispute affects Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.