AmaZulu FC's internal wage structure has been detailed, revealing defender Taariq Fielies as the club's highest-paid player on a monthly salary of R150,000. The data provides a rare look at the earnings across the Usuthu squad as they compete near the top of the Premier Soccer League.

With the team currently fourth in the standings on 10 points from five games, the financial commitment to the playing staff is clear. AmaZulu have scored eight goals and conceded seven so far this season, leaving them six points behind early leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their recent form reads WLWDW, showing a team finding its rhythm.

Who are the top earners at AmaZulu FC?

Taariq Fielies leads the payroll at R150,000 per month. Close behind is defender Riaan Hanamub, who earns R140,000 monthly. The third-highest salary belongs to Keegan Allan, a defender who came through the Mamelodi Sundowns academy and takes home R135,000 each month.

Sandile Mthethwa, another defender with senior national team experience, earns R120,000. Midfielder Hendrick Ekstein, who has played abroad in Azerbaijan, receives R115,000. Forward Ryan Moon, who has Bafana Bafana recognition, is on a R100,000 monthly salary. These figures illustrate the premium placed on experience and proven quality at the highest domestic level.

What does the mid-tier salary bracket look like?

A significant group of players earn between R60,000 and R90,000. Defender Mlondi Mbanjwa, who made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2024, is paid R90,000. Midfielder Tebogo Mashigo, who scored on his MTN8 debut, earns R80,000. Sphamandla Zikhali, a midfielder from Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal, receives R77,000.

Goalkeeper Darren Johnson, an Ajax Cape Town academy product, earns R70,000. Fellow keeper Olwethu Mzimela, a South African youth international, is on R65,000. Zimbabwean forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya earns R60,000. This middle band represents a mix of promising young talent and reliable squad players.

How much do emerging players earn?

Several younger or less experienced squad members are on more modest salaries. Midfielder Andiswa Sithole earns R45,000, while Langelihle Mhlongo takes home R40,000. Midfielders Siyanda Hlangabeza and Luyolo Slatsha, who joined in the January window, each earn R35,000.

Defender Nkosikhona Radebe, who made 28 Premiership appearances last season, is paid R33,000. New signing Athini Maqokolo, a midfielder who joined in September 2025, earns R30,000. Defender Minenhle Ngcobo receives R28,000, and midfielder Asanda Mzobe gets R27,000. Forward Bayanda Thabede, who made his top-flight debut in April 2025, earns R25,000.

The lowest reported salaries are R24,000 for defenders Onke Ncama and Liam Bern, the latter having joined as a free agent in 2025. Salaries vary based on experience, playing position, and individual contract terms. It is also noted that reported figures may differ from the actual amounts paid by the club, as South African football salaries are often based on media reports rather than official disclosures.

Where does this spending fit the club's ambitions?

The financial outlay reflects AmaZulu's aim to compete consistently in the PSL. With a squad featuring players from Namibia, Zimbabwe, and across South Africa, the wage bill is a necessary cost of doing business at the elite level. The full breakdown of the 23 players can be explored on the club's official squad page.

As the season progresses, this investment will be judged on the pitch. The team's current standings position shows they are in the mix, but closing the gap to Sundowns remains the ultimate challenge. Their next test is a key part of the fixtures list ahead. Defender Riaan Hanamub, the second-highest earner, began his career in Namibia before moving to Jomo Cosmos and then AmaZulu.