NEWS: Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu does not dangle money to motivate his players

Usuthu are in the quarter-finals where they will battle defending champions Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Reigning DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have made it a habit to dangle bonus incentives as an added motivation for players to go all out and attempt to win every trophy on offer.

Downs, who are also involved in Nedbank Cup action against the University of Pretoria this Friday, have already claimed the African Football League title – have one hand on the DStv Premiership trophy and are in the Caf Champions League semi-finals.

This means more money in the coffers for the Masandawana players, who, are rumoured to be on the end of an enticing bonus structure.

It is believed that the already handsomely renumerated Sundowns squad often receive winning bonuses that multiply with a prolonged winning streak after each match. So far, Sundowns have pocketed a handsome R76,200,000 in prize money, excluding the Premiership where they are expected to bag R15 million.

Sundowns officials within the higher echelon of the club’s hierarchy, often are entrusted with ensuring that players receive their bonuses.

Word has it that Sundowns have put in place an accumulative bonus structure, where they would receive “an estimated sum of around R20,000” individually if they win one game, and if they win the next, that amount doubles.

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This does not exist at AmaZulu, despite Zungu’s wealth being the owner of a successful investment company.

“Akuna chelete (there is no money). I think any player would want to win a trophy and place it in the cabinet, but there are no incentives [promised at the moment],” said Usuthu midfielder Ben Motshwari.

“I think we will have that discussion with him when we go through to the next round and hopefully to the final and win the cup. But for now, there are no incentives.”

Be that as it may, Usuthu players know exactly what is expected of them as they are tasked with the responsibility of being the first generation to lead AmaZulu to cup success under Zungu’s reign.

“The pressure is always there but as our president, he is someone who has emphasised that he wants this cup and players who are in the group also want this cup, but it is not going to be easy. We have to build this winning mentality and it starts in the league.

“We have not had a good run, especially in the second half of the season, we are struggling, and we are not scoring more goals than we wanted to.

“Going to the next round of this cup would be a confidence booster for us and the boys. We just have to go out there and try to win this game,” Motshwari explained.

Kick-off is at 18:00.