No More Bonus Battles: Gayton McKenzie promises players will be paid

Speaking at the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on 30 January 2026, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie issued a firm assurance that the era of national team players complaining about unpaid bonuses and salaries is officially over.

The Minister told the media at the Nasrec Expo Centre, where he welcomed the original FIFA World Cup trophy. During the festivities, McKenzie promised a new standard of financial professionalism for South African athletes, specifically pledging that players would receive an “extra bonus on top of the bonus” to ensure they are properly motivated for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.