Bafana Bafana's R1-million-a-goal during the World Cup will only apply in the event they win a match, South African Football Association chief executive Leslie Sedibe confirmed on Wednesday night.
Sedibe last month shocked the nation by suggesting Safa were looking to reward Bafana with a handsome R1-million for every World Cup goal they score, regardless of whether they win or not.
But the tune has now changed following talks with the playing personnel.
"The R1-million-a-goal applies only in a winning situation - and that has been agreed upon by all parties," Sedibe said following Wednesday's gala dinner organised in Bafana's honour in Sandton.
"We have a signed contract with the players. If they score five goals in a match and lose, they won't get paid a cent. But if they win, let's say 2-1, they will get R2-million plus a win bonus."
He would not divulge further details regarding the bonus structure, but the principle of not paying the players for a defeat - which has been in place for years - will also be applicable in the tournament.
"I can't disclose the figures, but the contract clearly states that if they lose a match, they get nothing. If they draw, the only get half of what they were due to earn in case of a win," Sedibe said, adding that the players would get "good money" if they got into the second round.
Amid huge excitement at their dinner on Wednesday, which was attended by Fifa president Sepp Blatter, the Bafana players spent the evening interacting with fans, posing for pictures and signing autographs after the entire 23-man team were introduced one by one to the audience.
South Africans are hopeful that their team - drawn in a tough Group A against Mexico, Uruguay and France - can avoid the ignominy of becoming the first World Cup hosts to fall at the first hurdle.
But almost disbelievingly, they were given a big task by Safa president Kirsten Nematandani: Win the World Cup.
"You can do it," Nematandani told the players as they listened attentively.
"We want you to go all the way - and that is an instruction."
Nematandani then added a line which, while more realistic, was loaded with platitudes.
"We have to believe that miracles can indeed happen. The ball is round and anything can happen."
Bafana open the World Cup with a clash against Mexico next Friday before facing Uruguay (June 16) and France (June 22).
Blatter was more measured in his message to Carlos Alberto Parreira's men. "Go out and play for South Africa and Africa," he told Bafana. "I should be neutral, but tonight I'm not. I support you."
South Africa have enjoyed an 11-match unbeaten run since Parreira returned for a second stint last November, but face their toughest test on Saturday when they take on Denmark in their final World Cup warm-up fixture (Super Stadium, 2.15pm).
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and left-back Tsepo Masilela should have recovered fully to start against the Danes. The two missed Bafana's thumping win over Guatemala in Polokwane on Monday.