PSL pension fund plans remain in early stages, says SAFPU

Abdul Karim November 04, 2026

Plans to establish a dedicated pension fund for Premier Soccer League players remain at an early stage, with the South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) giving no timetable for the scheme to be finalised.

The proposal was raised publicly again this week by SAFPU welfare coordinator Brent Carelse during an appearance on the public broadcaster SABC.

Soccer Laduma understands that the union began discussions with an unnamed financial institution earlier this year. However, negotiations are still ongoing and the project is not yet close to becoming a reality.

SAFPU secretary general Nhlanhla Shabalala said the union was unable to provide further information while the work continued.

“It’s work in progress,” Shabalala said. “This is not the time to speak about it. We can’t comment any further.”

There is currently no confirmed deadline for completing the negotiations or launching the pension fund. The union has also not disclosed the identity of the financial institution involved in the discussions.

SAFPU president Thulani Hlatshwayo previously outlined the importance of the proposal in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma earlier this year.

“The introduction of the pension fund, sport tax, and funeral covers… it’s very important,” Hlatshwayo said. “It’s a short career for players. So it’s something that I want to bring, to really put some of their earnings away so that they can access those funds when the game ends.”

The proposed scheme forms part of wider welfare measures being considered for players, alongside sport tax and funeral cover. Hlatshwayo said the intention was to help players set aside a portion of their earnings during their careers for use after they leave the game.

Despite the renewed public attention on the issue, SAFPU has indicated that it is not yet ready to discuss the details of the proposal. With the talks still at a preliminary stage, the union has not committed to when Premier Soccer League players could begin accessing such a fund.