The highest paid coaches in South Africa’s PSL are the true masters of the touchline – master tacticians who know how to win games before the starting whistle even sounds. Yes, the spotlight often shines upon players scoring goals and pulling off acrobatic saves—but these are the men who tell them what to do.
Tasked with strategy, motivation, discipline, and results, Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches in South Africa bear the immense responsibility of crafting championship-winning teams. But for all the pressure and public scrutiny, top-tier PSL coaches are richly rewarded.
This article dives into the top highest-paid football brains in the South African league, revealing not only their financial packages but also their leadership journeys, tactical philosophies, and contributions to South African football culture.
Highest Paid Coaches In The PSL (South Africa)
1. Rhulani Mokwena – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Monthly Salary: R850,000
- Annual Salary: R10.2 million
Rhulani Mokwena stands tall as the highest-paid coach in South African football. As the lead tactician at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokwena has revolutionized their playstyle with a blend of possession dominance, positional fluidity, and youth development.
Having risen from assistant roles to the top job, Mokwena brings cerebral precision to coaching, often compared to Pep Guardiola for his analytical breakdowns and tactical flexibility. Under his leadership, Sundowns have become virtually untouchable in local competitions and increasingly competitive in continental tournaments.
Beyond trophies, Mokwena has also shifted the culture at the club—instilling discipline, ensuring squad harmony, and mentoring emerging talents. With his impressive earnings comes the weight of expectation—and so far, he’s proven worthy.
2. Manqoba Mngqithi – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Monthly Salary: R750,000
- Annual Salary: R9 million
Former co-head coach and now a senior strategic figure at Sundowns, Manqoba Mngqithi remains an influential and highly compensated member of the management team.
A veteran in PSL football, Mngqithi’s strength lies in his attention to detail and tactical discipline. He’s known for his contributions to Sundowns’ defensive structure and game management tactics, especially in high-pressure fixtures.
While not always in the media limelight, Mngqithi is admired across the league as a quiet powerhouse—a coach who shapes systems more than headlines.
3. John Maduka – Royal AM
- Monthly Salary: R725,000
- Annual Salary: R8.7 million
John Maduka has become a rising star in PSL coaching circles, having brought stability and tactical flair to Royal AM, one of the more flamboyant teams in the league.
Maduka’s style combines attacking dynamism with tactical pragmatism. He’s seen as a man-manager who inspires confidence in players and builds belief in smaller clubs facing traditional giants. His impressive salary reflects not just Royal AM’s ambition, but also Maduka’s growing reputation as a builder of footballing identity.
His charisma and understanding of player psychology make him a fan favorite and one of the most exciting coaches to watch.
4. José Riveiro – Orlando Pirates
- Monthly Salary: R650,000
- Annual Salary: R7.8 million
The Spanish coach José Riveiro entered the PSL with curiosity surrounding his appointment. But he quickly erased doubts by guiding Orlando Pirates to strong finishes and cup successes.
Riveiro’s approach is distinctly European, marked by high pressing, quick transitions, and intelligent use of midfielders. His tactical adaptability has allowed Pirates to remain in close contention for league titles and dominate in knockout competitions.
Riveiro also emphasizes squad rotation, sports science, and detailed video analysis—a testament to the increasing globalization of PSL coaching methods.
5. Eric Tinkler – Cape Town City
- Monthly Salary: R650,000
- Annual Salary: R7.8 million
Eric Tinkler is one of South Africa’s most experienced coaches, having managed several PSL clubs over the past decade. At Cape Town City, he’s built a team known for technical finesse, structured counter-attacks, and fighting spirit.
Tinkler’s credibility stems from his time as both a player and coach in the national team setup. With Cape Town City, he’s created a brand of football that’s aesthetically pleasing yet ruthlessly effective.
Tinkler’s high salary reflects his enduring value and the trust placed in him by club executives to deliver results while cultivating local talent.
6. Steve Komphela – Moroka Swallows
- Monthly Salary: R500k–R600k
- Annual Salary: R6m–R7.2 million
Steve Komphela is a philosophical figure in South African football—a coach known as much for his poetic press conferences as his tactical know-how. After time with Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, Komphela took the reins at Moroka Swallows.
His salary depends on performance clauses and contract bonuses, but it still ranks him among the elite earners. Komphela places great emphasis on youth development, professionalism, and building a footballing “culture.”
His leadership is more than numbers—it’s about crafting stories and shaping character in players. In a sport increasingly ruled by data, Komphela brings human depth to the role of head coach.
7. Gavin Hunt – SuperSport United
- Monthly Salary: R480,000
- Annual Salary: R5.76 million
No list of elite PSL coaches is complete without Gavin Hunt, a grizzled veteran with league titles and domestic trophies on his CV. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style and direct football tactics, Hunt has brought consistency and competitiveness to SuperSport United.
His coaching philosophy is grounded in work ethic, compact defending, and aerial strength. While not as media savvy as newer names, Hunt’s knowledge of the PSL ecosystem makes him an invaluable asset.
His salary may not lead the pack, but his legacy certainly does.
8. Molefi Ntseki – Kaizer Chiefs (2023 Season)
- Monthly Salary: R450,000
- Annual Salary: R5.4 million
While no longer in charge at Kaizer Chiefs in 2025, Molefi Ntseki earned a sizable package during his tenure. His appointment was met with mixed reactions, given Chiefs’ turbulent form in recent seasons.
Ntseki’s background with the national team gave him a holistic view of player development and long-term planning. However, struggles with tactical cohesion and underwhelming results led to his reassignment.
His time with the Amakhosi remains an important chapter in the club’s journey of rebuilding and strategic renewal.
9. Steve Barker – Stellenbosch FC
- Monthly Salary: R400,000
- Annual Salary: R4.8 million
Steve Barker has turned Stellenbosch FC into a quiet force in South African football. With a salary that’s lower than other big-city coaches, Barker punches above his weight with player development and innovative team structures.
He’s known for integrating university-level talent into top-flight football, emphasizing athleticism, spatial awareness, and strong match preparation.
Stellenbosch’s climb in the PSL standings is largely credited to Barker’s steady hand and long-term vision.
10. Dan Malesela – Marumo Gallants
- Monthly Salary: R220,000
- Annual Salary: R2.64 million
Dan “Dance” Malesela rounds out the list. Though his salary is modest compared to the heavyweights, Malesela is adored for his free-flowing attacking football and bold tactical decisions.
At Marumo Gallants, he’s created a team that embraces flair, risks, and expressive football—earning fan admiration despite budget constraints. His ability to motivate and overachieve makes him one of the league’s most respected figures.
Coaching Salaries in Context: Why the Big Bucks?
So why are PSL coaches earning millions?
Several factors explain these figures:
- Continental Competition: South African clubs are investing heavily to challenge North African giants in CAF tournaments.
- Coaching Modernization: Clubs now emphasize sports science, data analytics, and global methodologies.
- Brand and Image: Coaches play a role in marketing clubs, especially high-profile brands like Chiefs and Pirates.
- Performance Pressure: Expectations for results are sky-high, with short tenures and frequent sackings.
Top salaries are no longer about tradition—they reflect the competitive nature of modern football.
Salary vs. Success: Does Money Guarantee Trophies?
Interestingly, high salary doesn’t always guarantee silverware. While Mokwena and Riveiro have won consistently, others like Komphela and Ntseki have endured bumpy runs despite generous pay.
It’s a reminder that football remains unpredictable—money helps, but leadership, adaptability, and chemistry are just as vital.
What’s Next for PSL Coaching?
As the league evolves, expect to see:
- International Appointments: More foreign tacticians entering South African football.
- Higher Salaries: Especially for coaches with proven CAF competition success.
- Coaching Academies: To nurture local talent, reducing reliance on imports.
- Technology Integration: Clubs adopting AI, VR training modules, and advanced performance tracking.
Coaching in South Africa is growing—as the league expands, and the clubs aim to more levels of excellence, more coaches with experience and knowledge will have to be brought in.
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Conclusion:
The football scene in South Africa is very competitive. Teams want coaches who can win laurels and they are willing to pay a high premium for their services. This has brought about a situation whereby it costs a lot of money to attract a SA coach away from the South African Premier Soccer League. In fact, it is easier for coaches from Europe to end up in South Africa. That’s all on the highest-paid Coaches in South Africa.