Agent Mike Makaab has given insight into how some of the salaries of local players compare to those in Europe, saying the top earners may earn as much as those who play for smaller clubs in France or Spain.
Over the years, some South African players who have been linked with moves abroad have stayed in the PSL, earning big money which gives them a fairly good life. Recently Teboho Mokoena was linked with a move to Belgian outfit Anderlecht, but ended up in the colours of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Experienced agent Makaab has told the Siya crew that some of the top earners in the PSL get salaries similar to players at smaller topflight clubs in France or Spain.
"I can tell you now that our top earners in this country can only earn that money plus more at a handful of clubs outside of the top five leagues in Europe. Also, a few of the five top leagues in Europe. I am not talking about the English Premiership or the German Bundesliga, but maybe the smaller clubs in France or the smaller clubs in Spain. I think the top earners in this country will earn as much as the lower earners in those leagues in Europe. In terms of that, it's significant when it comes into movement in Europe. It's a complex and tough industry," Makaab told Soccer Laduma.
Makaab, meanwhile, spoke of the challenges of securing deals for players who are over the age of 30.
"It becomes difficult, but a lot also depends on how well that player has looked after himself. Bernard Parker is one of them. Siyabonga Nomvethe was one. Rooi Mahamutsa was another one. If a player is injury free and is consistently playing 90 minutes, age becomes a lot less problematic. Where age becomes problematic is when the player is prone to being on the sidelines through injury and maybe he is not playing as consistently as before, then it becomes a bigger challenge.
"But we've done a number of deals for players in their thirties who have been successful. And not only have they signed one-year deals, but they have signed two and three year deals.
