Amajita AFCON-winning coach paid less than a flat rental

Amajita, South Africa’s Under-20 national football team, won their first-ever AFCON triumph under Raymond, yet his salary tells a different story.

Amajita edged Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 CAF U-20 AFCON final, held at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, sealing a long-awaited victory 24 years after a narrow defeat to the same opponents. Under Mdaka’s leadership, the team also secured the 2024 COSAFA Cup Championship without conceding a single goal and scoring 16.

Mdaka took charge of Amajita in March 2024. Prior to this, he had managed Marumo Gallants, bringing valuable experience to a young and hungry squad. Yet, despite his impressive achievements in under a year, Mdaka remains shockingly underpaid.

Steenbok drops bombshell

Former SAFA technical director Walter Steenbok has lifted the lid on the disturbing truth behind Mdaka’s salary.

“The respect for black professionals in our South African organisations is a big problem,” Steenbok told Metro FM, as quoted by FARPost. 

Saying his SAFA salary was so low it was “on par with Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’s rental expenses.”

Steenbok didn’t stop there. He confirmed that Amajita coach Mdaka is earning no more than R25,000 per month, despite winning two major titles with the U-20 side. Even more concerning, Mdaka is reportedly on a mere one-year contract.

“We fought for two years to get coach Raymond the contract. You can call the coach and ask him,” Steenbok added.

Steenbok’s revelations have sparked outrage, highlighting the broader issue of undervaluing black excellence in South African football leadership.

“On the FIFA programme, the TD and the coach are on the same level, even with the same responsibilities,” he pointed out. “We don’t respect black excellence. We don’t respect black professionals. I can give you evidence I have in abundance that I keep all the time.”

The disparity in earnings between coaches like Hugo Broos and Raymond Mdaka underscores what many are calling a systemic failure to recognise and reward local black talent. Steenbok’s remarks have reignited calls for greater equity, transparency, and respect within SAFA and across South African sports structures.

Amajita victory overshadowed by injustice

While Amajita’s triumph should be dominating headlines for the right reasons, the focus has shifted to the unfair treatment of the man who led the team to glory.

Mdaka’s success story should be a turning point, not just for youth football, but for how the country values its own.

How long will black excellence continue to be overlooked and underpaid?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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