South African FA confident Bafana Bafana bonus talks will be settled before 2025 AFCON camp

South African Football Association (Safa) CEO Lydia Monyepao says discussions with Bafana Bafana players over bonuses for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are ongoing.

Monyepao highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement before the squad enters camp on December 8 at the University of Pretoria (Tuks).

“We need to find each other, but before the camp starts in December we will be on the same page,” she said.

The CEO noted that previous disputes between African federations and national teams, including Nigeria’s players refusing to train over unpaid bonuses, underscore the need for early engagement.

Safa has begun consultations with the Bafana leadership group to prevent disruptions that could affect preparations.

“We had conversations with the leadership of the players during the recent camp in Sandton. Talks have begun, everyone has put their cards on the table, and it is about getting approvals on what they have proposed and what we have proposed,” Monyepao explained.

Preparations for the tournament are already underway. Safa participated in a Confederation of African Football (Caf) workshop to ensure compliance with tournament regulations and clarify logistical requirements.

“We had the opportunity to ask clarity-seeking questions so we have all the information we need and are adequately prepared for the tournament,” Monyepao said.

Regarding squad selection, Monyepao confirmed that Caf covers expenses for 23 players, while the federation can fund up to four additional players if coach Hugo Broos decides to take them.

“We will be guided by coach Hugo Broos on that one; at the moment I do not have an idea. I am expecting 23 players, but he might want more, and we will be open to that,” she added.