Key Takeaways
- • The South African Football Players' Union (SAFPU) is working behind the scenes to establish a dedicated pension fund scheme for Premier Soccer League (PSL) players, according to Soccer Laduma.
- • Negotiations with an unnamed financial institution began earlier in 2026, but no timeline has been set for finalizing the arrangement.
- • SAFPU secretary general Nhlanhla Shabalala said the union cannot share more details, describing the initiative as "work in progress."
- • SAFPU president Thulani Hlatshwayo has framed the scheme as a way to set aside player earnings given the short career span of professional footballers.
Summary
The South African Football Players' Union (SAFPU) is working on establishing a dedicated pension fund scheme for Premier Soccer League (PSL) players, a project that resurfaced this week when the Union's welfare coordinator, Brent Carelse, discussed it with the public broadcaster SABC. According to Soccer Laduma, negotiations with an unnamed financial institution started earlier this year.
SAFPU secretary general Nhlanhla Shabalala declined to provide further details, stating, "It's work in progress. This is not the time to speak about it. We can't comment any further." Soccer Laduma's understanding is that the matter remains a long way from becoming a reality, and no timelines have been set for finalizing the negotiations.
Earlier this year, SAFPU president Thulani Hlatshwayo addressed the initiative in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma. He described the proposed pension fund, alongside sport tax and funeral cover, as important given the short careers of professional players. Hlatshwayo said the aim is to set aside a portion of players' earnings so they can access those funds when their playing careers end.
No figures on contribution levels, fund size, the identity of the financial institution, or the scheme's governance structure have been disclosed.
SAFPU secretary general Nhlanhla Shabalala declined to provide further details, stating, "It's work in progress. This is not the time to speak about it. We can't comment any further." Soccer Laduma's understanding is that the matter remains a long way from becoming a reality, and no timelines have been set for finalizing the negotiations.
Earlier this year, SAFPU president Thulani Hlatshwayo addressed the initiative in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma. He described the proposed pension fund, alongside sport tax and funeral cover, as important given the short careers of professional players. Hlatshwayo said the aim is to set aside a portion of players' earnings so they can access those funds when their playing careers end.
No figures on contribution levels, fund size, the identity of the financial institution, or the scheme's governance structure have been disclosed.
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