Highest Paid Player: Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful and iconic football clubs in South Africa and Africa, is known for its dominance in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), as well as its significant impact in continental competitions like the CAF Champions League. The club, based in Pretoria, has a reputation for attracting top-tier talent, both locally and internationally. With financial backing from billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe, Mamelodi Sundowns has been able to compete at a high level and offer attractive salaries to some of the best players in the continent.
In this article, we will focus on the highest paid player at Mamelodi Sundowns, examine the club’s salary structure, and analyze how the club attracts top talent. We’ll also look at how these salaries compare to other PSL clubs and explore the dynamics of player contracts within the club.
The Highest Paid Player at Mamelodi Sundowns
As of 2025, the highest paid player at Mamelodi Sundowns is Peter Shalulile, a Namibian international forward who has been instrumental in Sundowns’ offensive play. Shalulile, who joined Sundowns in 2020 from Highlands Park, quickly became one of the club’s standout performers.
Why Peter Shalulile is the Highest Paid Player
Peter Shalulile’s rise to the top of Sundowns’ salary structure is not surprising given his exceptional performance. In his first few seasons with the club, he became a prolific goal-scorer, contributing immensely to Sundowns’ attacking strength. His ability to perform consistently in the PSL and continental competitions made him one of the most valuable players at the club.
Shalulile’s contract renewal in 2024 saw a significant increase in his earnings, solidifying his position as the highest-paid player at Sundowns. This is a reflection of his impact on the field and his importance to the team’s overall success.
Salary Structure at Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns is known for offering competitive salaries, and with the club’s financial resources, players are well compensated for their performances. The club’s wage structure has attracted several high-profile players, both from South Africa and abroad.
The salaries of players at Sundowns vary significantly depending on their experience, reputation, and position within the team. Players who play key roles, such as Peter Shalulile, Denis Onyango, and Andile Jali, are among the highest earners at the club, while younger and less experienced players earn less.
Below is a breakdown of the typical salary ranges at Mamelodi Sundowns:
| Position | Salary Range (per month) |
|---|---|
| Striker (Star Player) | R300,000 – R1,000,000 |
| Midfielders (Star Players) | R250,000 – R900,000 |
| Goalkeepers (Star Players) | R200,000 – R600,000 |
| Defenders | R150,000 – R700,000 |
| Young Players/Reserves | R50,000 – R150,000 |
As you can see, the salary range can vary widely based on the player’s role and reputation. Star players such as Shalulile and Andile Jali, who are vital to the team, earn significantly higher amounts compared to younger or less experienced players.
Peter Shalulile’s Contract and Salary
Peter Shalulile’s salary is reported to be in the region of R1 million per month. His contract extension in 2024 reaffirmed his status as one of the club’s cornerstone players. This amount places him among the highest-paid players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Here are the key details of Shalulile’s contract:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Peter Shalulile |
| Position | Forward/Striker |
| Club | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Contract Renewal | 2024 |
| Salary | R1,000,000/month |
| Contract Duration | 3 years (2024-2027) |
| Transfer Fee (Reported) | R20 million (Highlands Park to Sundowns) |
Shalulile’s salary is a reflection of his importance to Sundowns. The club invested heavily in his signing from Highlands Park, and his subsequent success has justified the high wages. His ability to score goals, his work ethic, and his ability to link up with other players have been key factors in Sundowns’ offensive success.
Other High-Earning Players at Mamelodi Sundowns
While Shalulile stands as the highest-paid player, several other players also earn lucrative contracts at Sundowns due to their importance to the team. These include:
1. Denis Onyango (Goalkeeper)
Denis Onyango, the Ugandan international goalkeeper, is one of the highest-paid players at the club. Onyango has been with Sundowns for several years and has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success, including their historic CAF Champions League victory in 2016. His commanding presence in goal and leadership have earned him a top-tier salary.
| Player | Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Denis Onyango | Goalkeeper | R800,000 – R900,000 |
2. Andile Jali (Midfielder)
Andile Jali, one of South Africa’s most talented midfielders, is another top earner at Sundowns. His skill in controlling the midfield and his ability to break down opposition attacks make him one of the best in his position. Jali’s experience and leadership add great value to Sundowns, which is reflected in his substantial salary.
| Player | Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Andile Jali | Midfielder | R700,000 – R800,000 |
3. Themba Zwane (Midfielder)
Themba Zwane has been one of the standout performers for Sundowns in recent years. His ability to create chances, score goals, and control the tempo of the game has made him an indispensable part of the team. His salary is reflective of his consistent performances and importance to the squad.
| Player | Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Themba Zwane | Midfielder | R600,000 – R700,000 |
4. Ricardo Nascimento (Defender)
Ricardo Nascimento, the Brazilian defender, is another high earner at Sundowns. Nascimento is known for his solid defensive work and leadership at the back. His salary is one of the highest for defenders in the PSL.
| Player | Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Ricardo Nascimento | Defender | R600,000 – R700,000 |
Comparison of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Player Salaries with Other PSL Clubs
Mamelodi Sundowns, backed by Patrice Motsepe’s financial resources, stands out in terms of salaries compared to other PSL clubs. While the average salary in the PSL is much lower, Sundowns is able to offer some of the highest wages in the league.
Here’s a comparison of average player salaries across various PSL clubs:
| Club | Average Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Mamelodi Sundowns | R500,000 – R1,000,000 |
| Kaizer Chiefs | R300,000 – R800,000 |
| Orlando Pirates | R250,000 – R700,000 |
| AmaZulu FC | R150,000 – R500,000 |
| SuperSport United | R150,000 – R600,000 |
Conclusion
The highest paid player at Mamelodi Sundowns as of 2025 is Peter Shalulile, who earns approximately R1 million per month. His success and contribution to the team, particularly in the forward role, have made him an indispensable asset to the club. Along with other high earners like Denis Onyango, Andile Jali, and Themba Zwane, Shalulile’s salary reflects the level of talent Sundowns is able to attract due to its financial strength and sustained success.
The club’s ability to offer competitive salaries has helped them maintain a dominant position in South African football and achieve success on the continental stage. The significant wages offered to key players also ensure that Sundowns remains competitive in the PSL and CAF Champions League, while continuing to set the standard for player recruitment in Africa.