Polokwane City are set to receive a significant financial boost of close to R1 million through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme after seven of their players featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the qualifying campaign.
Club chairman Johnny Mogaladi is expected to submit claims covering Thabang Matuludi, Oswin Appollis, Brian Bwire, Manuel Kambala, Manuel Sapunga, Douglas Mapfumo and Ndamulelo Maphangule.
FIFA rewards clubs
FIFA has allocated USD355 million (approximately R5.8 billion) worldwide under its Club Benefits Programme to compensate clubs that release players for World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself.
For the qualifying campaign, clubs receive USD2,362 (around R38,700) for every match in which a player is named in the official matchday squad.
Only players included among the starting XI or substitutes qualify for compensation, with payments made to the club the player was registered with at the time of the fixture.
Five players contributed in qualifiers
Polokwane City’s initial payout is based on five players who featured in African World Cup qualifiers:
- Brian Bwire – named in five Kenya matchday squads.
- Manuel Kambala – included in four Mozambique squads.
- Manuel Sapunga – selected in six Equatorial Guinea squads.
- Douglas Mapfumo – featured in two Zimbabwe squads.
- Ndamulelo Maphangule – included in one South Africa matchday squad.
Those appearances alone are expected to generate approximately R696,600 in gross compensation before tax and other deductions.
More payments to follow
With seven Polokwane City players involved across both the qualifying campaign and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the club is expected to receive additional payments related to the finals, potentially pushing the total compensation close to R1 million.
The windfall provides a welcome financial boost for the club while recognising its contribution to international football through the release of players for national team duty.
