The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted with concern reports claiming that Bafana Bafana may not be paid their bonuses after finishing third at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

In a statement SAFA said: “We wish to confirm that a contract was signed between the Association and the senior players representing the team where the payments and bonuses were agreed upon, depending on the team’s performance in the tournament, details of which remain confidential. This agreement was confirmed before the team departed for AFCON and all the parties were happy.

“We further highlight that the payments and bonuses as agreed with the players will be paid when the prize monies are received from the Confederations of African Football (CAF). The remaining funds will be utilised in the further development of football. As previously stated, our junior national teams are not sponsored and rely heavily on the senior national teams for funding to help with access to more preparation camps and competitive fixtures. The funds are not intended for members of the national executive committee of the Association or any SAFA staff.”

The statement added: “We as SAFA account to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the money that is awarded by the continental body. The SAFA CFO will be responsible for effecting payments to the players’ bank accounts on receipt of funds from CAF.

“The SAFA CEO, who is the Accounting officer of the Association, will ensure and confirm that payment is made to the players as agreed upon. Both the CEO and CFO will account to CAF on the use of the funds received.”

Bafana Bafana finished third after beating DR Congo on penalties in the third-place playoff.