South Africa’s national team players are set to receive no monetary reward unless they secure victory in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to a bold move by SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
The president stated that Bafana Bafana would only receive the full prize money of $7 million if they triumph in the AFCON, emphasising that they would get nothing if they fall short of clinching the title following a memorandum of understanding signed between the parties.
Addressing the incentive structure, Jordaan underscored the need for the team’s focus and performance on the field.
“We have to get the team to focus. We have to clear everything – and if they win, they get USD7-million, and if they lose, they get nothing.” Jordaan emphasised as quoted by SABC.
South Africa are returning to the continental showpiece after missing out on the last edition held in Cameroon.
Bafana Bafana find themselves in Group E of the tournament, alongside Mali, Namibia, and Tunisia. Jordaan’s decision aims to create a strong incentive for the team to excel in the competition, reinforcing a winner-takes-all mentality.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 40% increase in the prize money for the AFCON. The winner of the tournament is set to receive $7 million, with the runner-up securing $4 million. Teams reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals will also receive significant monetary rewards.
The 1996 champions, determined to bounce back from recent disappointments, including failing to qualify for the previous AFCON and the 2022 World Cup, will seek to make a strong statement in Ivory Coast.