One of the biggest soccer teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Orlando Pirates, has a long history in the local soccer industry. Along with rival Kaizer Chiefs, the team is one of the most successful and commercially viable in the domestic league.
Over the years, Orlando Pirates has also made inroads into cup competitions held elsewhere on the African continent.
Reports surfaced in 2015 that the club’s captain Oupa Manyisa had agreed to renew his contract with the club. Sources within the club also revealed that Manyisa’s salary had been bumped up to between R250 0000 and R300 000.
This made Oupa Manyisa Orlando Pirates’ Best Paid Player.
Since joining Orlando Pirates in 2008, Manyisa has worked hard to maintain a place on the first team. His pay raise effectively put him in the league of some of the highest paid players in the PSL. Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana forward Benni McCarthy was reportedly earning within the region of R450 000 per month.
Known as “Ace” on the football field, Manyisa was reportedly set for a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in a mammoth transfer deal of R32 million. The central midfielder ended up extending his stay at Orlando Pirates until June 2018.
Why Manyisa is Orlando Pirates’ best paid player:
He’s the captain – The 27-year-old inherited the captain’s armband following the tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa. His silent but powerful leadership on the pitch has helped to steer Orlando Pirates to greater heights.
He’s loyal – He turned down a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, which could have made him the highest paid player in the league.
He’s the most utilised player– In 2013 he featured in 52 games for Bucs, while he also played all 30 league games for Orlando Pirates in 2014.