Caf President Patrice Motsepe opens up about big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns players' salaries - 'We used to compete with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Greece'

Masandawana have built a reputation for offering high salaries and paying substantial fees to secure top talent. While there has been criticism that the club restricts its stars from moving abroad, former Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe has publicly addressed these concerns.

He explained that the club’s financial strength is designed to compete with international leagues, not to hold players back. Motsepe emphasised that the primary goal is to ensure players and their families are well supported.

This strategy highlights a broader vision, not only focused on success on the pitch but also on improving the lives of those involved in the game. It reflects the club's ambition to grow South African football and retain its brightest talent locally.

“The players have to think about their families and think about themselves,” said Motsepe as reported by Farpost.

“What will have a big impact on ensuring that some of the best African players stay in Africa is that we’ve got to pay them well.

“We have to pay them competitively. And I know from my experience [at Sundowns], we used to compete with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Greece.

“And we’d ask the players, ‘Okay fine, how much are you earning there? And we can pay you [that]’. They would rather be in Africa.

“They would [prefer] to be with their families, and the food is nice [here]. And to be with your community and friends is something that is fulfilling. So, it’s important to make sure that we pay our players very well.

“I’m proud of what many of our African clubs are doing at a huge sacrifice. And some of them at a huge financial sacrifice because they don’t have the resources.

“Some of the families have to use their own money. I’m proud of that, but what I like is that the quality of African football is consistently improving.”

Sundowns’ player-first approach has helped them become one of South Africa’s most successful clubs. They consistently compete at the highest level on the continent and are currently chasing a second Caf Champions League star.

Their spending power attracts elite talent from South America like Lucas Ribeiro, Marcelo Allende and Lucas Suarez and beyond. This strong financial structure, combined with a focus on player welfare, has turned Masandawana into a true continental powerhouse.

Sundowns will face Al Ahly in the second leg of the Caf Champions League semi-final, with the tie evenly poised after a goalless draw in the first leg.

They’ll be aiming to secure a historic win and book their place in the final.

A victory would move them one step closer to claiming a second star on their badge, marking another milestone in the club’s ambitious continental journey.