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Eswatini footballers among lowest earners in region
11:38 CAT | 29 Jan 2024
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In the realm of football across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Eswatini emerges as one of the lowest earners, according to a survey conducted by goal.com.
The study focused on average salaries in various African leagues, shedding light on the financial landscape of football in the region,
Eswatini’s football players receive a minimum monthly salary of E2 000, which is significantly lower compared to their counterparts in neighbouring countries. This disparity has led to many players seeking opportunities with the country’s two prominent teams, Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders, or the forces sides. Players at these esteemed clubs earn an average salary ranging between E5 000 and E10 000, with the highest earners nearing E20 000. Players from smaller teams often strive to join forces sides such as Young Buffaloes, Royal Leopard and Green Mamba, where they aim to secure better-paying positions. The minimum salary in these forces sides is approximately E8 000, and as players advance in rank and receive promotions, their salaries increase accordingly.
Lesotho, a neighbouring country, also ranks among the lowest earners in their elite league. The minimum salary in Lesotho’s top league hovers around E5 000, while in Mozambique, players earn an average of E6 000.
Contrastingly, in South Africa’s DStv Premiership, players enjoy a minimum wage of E25 000, with the highest earners surpassing E1 million. The presence of major sponsors, and lucrative TV rights deals contribute to the higher- earning potential in the South African league. Eswatini player Justice Figuareido, for instance, plays for Richards Bay in the DStv Premiership.
In Zambia, where numerous government and private companies sponsor football teams, the average salary for players is around E15 000, while the highest-paid players earn over E100 000. Eswatini player Lindo Mkhonta showcases his talent at Zesco United in the Zambian league. Two emaSwati players, Banele Ndzabandzaba playing for Police XI and Mxolisi Mkhonto playing for Jwaneng Galaxy, participate in the Botswana Premier League, where average salaries for players reaching approximately E8 000, with the highest earners surpassing E100 000. It is worth noting that many players aspire to join the lucrative DStv Premiership, not only for the financial benefits, but also for the exposure gained through live broadcasts on DStv channels. While Eswatini’s footballers may earn among the lowest wages in the SADC region, leagues in South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, and Cameroon boast some of the highest earners. In these leagues, top-valued players can earn over E500 000 per month. At the pinnacle of football earnings, Cristiano Ronaldo reigns as the world’s highest-paid player, earning over E20 million per month.
Eswatini: E2 000
Lesotho: E5 000
Mozambique: E6 000
Zambia: E10 000
Botswana: E8 000
South Africa: E25 000
Source: Times of Swaziland
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