Kaizer Chiefs have produced many legends. Several were paid handsomely.
The Glamour Boys have produced some of the most iconic figures in South African football, with generations of talent shaping the club’s rich and enduring legacy.
From the flair of Doctor Khumalo to the clutch brilliance of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Amakhosi legends have consistently defined excellence at the highest level. So, which iconic Amakhosi legend was paid the most and how much did he take home?
HOW HAVE KAIZER FARED IN A CHANGING FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE?
Over time, however, the financial landscape of football has evolved significantly, creating a clear divide between past and present earnings.
Legends such as Collins Mbesuma and Bernard Parker enjoyed successful spells at Kaizer Chiefs.
Yet, their salaries reflect different eras within the game. Parker, for instance, reportedly earned around R300,000 per month during his time at the club. This is figure that already signals the modern shift toward higher player compensation.
In contrast, earlier icons like Khumalo operated in a vastly different financial environment. His reported starting salary of just R8,000 per month highlights how dramatically player earnings have increased. Although, it must be noted this amount was worth a lot more than it is today. However, even when accounting for inflation over time, this is astonishingly low.
While those figures may seem modest today, they were reflective of the broader structure of South African football during that period.
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HIGHEST-PAID AMAKHOSI LEGEND AND HOW MUCH HE MADE
The highest-paid Amakhosi legend is Itumeleng Khune.
The former Kaizer Chiefs captain reportedly earned approximately R480 000 per month during the latter stages of his career. Therefore, placing him firmly at the top among club legends.
Notably, Khune played alongside key figures such as Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Shabalala. Further cementing his place in a golden generation of talent.
Interestingly, despite his substantial earnings, there was a period when Khune’s salary ranked only fourth within the Kaizer Chiefs squad. This was due to the presence of top earners like Keagan Dolly, Khama Billiat, and Samir Nurkovic, all of whom reportedly matched or exceeded that figure.
Ultimately, Khune’s earnings illustrate both his status and the broader evolution of player salaries at Kaizer Chiefs. The former Bafana Bafana captain is one of the true greats of SA football, a true Amakhosi legend.
DO YOU THINK KHUNE DESERVED TO BE THE HIGHEST-PAID AMAKHOSI LEGEND?
Let us know in the comments below.