South Africa’s U20 national team coach, Raymond Mdaka, has finally addressed the widespread public debate surrounding his highly publicized salary, which has sparked considerable outrage after initial reports suggested he earns R25,000 per month.
The issue of Mdaka’s remuneration became a national talking point when former SAFA Technical Director, Walter Steenbok, controversially claimed that the Amajita coach’s monthly take-home pay was equivalent to what the Bafana Bafana head coach spends on rent.
This assertion ignited a firestorm of discussion and concern among football fans and the general public.
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The matter escalated last week, even reaching the highest echelons of government. During a session of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Sport, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao was directly questioned about Mdaka’s reported R25,000 salary.
In response, Monyepao revealed that the tactician’s actual earnings fall within a range of R25,000 to R50,000.
This disclosure, however, has done little to quell the public’s dissatisfaction. Many fans continue to express their dismay, feeling that Mdaka is significantly underpaid, especially considering his remarkable achievement of leading Amajita to the country’s first-ever Africa U20 Cup of Nations title.
Despite the ongoing public discourse and the perceived injustice of his compensation, Mdaka himself appears unfazed by the controversy.
Speaking at his homecoming celebration in the Greater Tzaneen municipality on Thursday, as reported by iDiski Times, the coach offered a measured and philosophical perspective on the situation.
“Yeah well most of the things can come up,” said Mdaka as quoted by iDiski Times.
“You know I suppose you need to have that heart of accepting some of the things more especially if they are not in your hands.
“You cannot stop people from talking much as how they speak to you, others it might be quite disturbing, others might be pleading with you and all this other things.
However, Mdaka emphasized his focus on his craft rather than external noise. “But these are the things that we don’t normally focus on. We just allow it as it is and nature will sort it out.”
Looking ahead, Mdaka is set to lead Amajita to the U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, a testament to his continued dedication and the team’s success under his guidance.
In a heartwarming gesture of local support, the Greater Tzaneen municipality presented Mdaka with R35,000.
These funds are earmarked for the Ray Mdaka Foundation, an initiative through which the former Marumo Gallants coach plans to host upcoming football tournaments in schools within the area.
This community-focused endeavor underscores Mdaka’s commitment to youth development and leaving a lasting legacy beyond the national spotlight.