So I thought about writing an article about the football league in my country, to inform those who have never heard about the PSL. Our top teams take part in what they call the African Champions league, where all the top clubs in Africa compete, it is just like the Champions League, however the football standard is not as great as it is in Europe.
Here is a little history on South Africas soccer league, the PSL (Premier Soccer League):
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the trading name of the National Soccer League (NSL). It is an Affiliate Member of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the administrator of professional football in the Republic of South Africa.
The PSL was established in 1996.
Manning Rangers were the first side to be crowned champions of the PSL in 1997 when the Gordon Igesund-coached side stunned all and sundry by winning the title ahead of a number of more fancied opponents.
From 1998 to 2000 the league was dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns, who pulled off a hat-trick of titles.
In 2001, Igesund moved to Orlando Pirates and helped the
"Buccaneers" secure the title. The following season he moved to Cape Town-based Santos, and steered it to win the league title, thus becoming the first coach to win the championship with three different clubs. He then won it again with Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2007-08 season.The league was reduced from 18 to 16 teams after the end of the 2001-02 season to avoid fixture congestion, causing two teams, Ria Stars and Free State Stars, to be disbanded.
Kaizer Chiefs successfully defended their league title in 2005 after they won the prestigious trophy in 2004 for the first time in a decade.
The 2005-06 season saw Mamelodi Sundowns capturing the title for the fourth time.
The PSL has helped raise the standard of club soccer in South Africa, providing the sport with better media coverage and much-improved revenue through strong sponsorship deals. Sponsors include renowned brands like Nedbank, Telkom, Absa, and official suppliers are Castle, Coca-Cola, and Vodacom.
It has also provided a platform for local players to make their mark and catch the eye of overseas clubs. Norwegian Kjetil Siem is the League's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Players such as Steven Pienaar, who currently plays his football with Everton, started his career in the PSL, as well as Aaron Mokoena and Benni McCarthy—the latter now plays for Blackburn Rovers.
| Founder Members | |
| AmaZulu Bloemfontein Celtic Cape Town Spurs Hellenic Jomo Cosmos Kaizer Chiefs Manning Rangers Michau Warriors Moroka Swallows |
Orlando Pirates QwaQwa Stars Real Rovers Mamelodi Sundowns Supersport United Umtata Bush Bucks Vaal Professionals Witbank Aces Wits University |
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3 months ago
Howsit,
Nice of you to write about the PSL. Just 2 things, Gordon Igesund was fired as Sundowns coach during the 2007/2008 season and the season was won by Supersport United. Sundowns finished 3rd.
Just a little sumtin xtra, Orlando Pirates are the only South African club to have won the African champions league, in 1995. Some guys here might know Mark Fish(EPL) and David Nyathi (Serie A) who were part of that team.
Lucas Radebe played for Pirates derby rivals Kaizer Chiefs (also the name of a band from Leeds...wonder where they got the name from).
3 months ago
sup brother
Thanx alot:)
Thanx for the input, where do you come from Leon?
3 months ago
good article sam. good insight to the psl. i'll be looking forward to more articles from you on the psl so i can get a good insight into football in south africa :)
3 months ago
cool to hear about the PSL Sam, I played against a guy this season here in NZ who did alright there for awhile, Michael Utting. He is just chilling now in local league in Hawkes Bay. Was it that league he played in or the one before it? Maybe you never saw him, he's a pretty good keeper was our national keeper for awhile.
3 months ago
thanx Yoosof i will definitely put up articles to inform u guys about the psl
Hey illya mm im not too sure who that is but ill do some research on Micheal Utting
Thanx for the comments guys:)
2 months ago
I had no idea they had a leauge, good article!
2 months ago
i will like to no more about when your league open for trial beacuse i will like to participate azeez from Nigeria i have for many club in my country
thanx
2 months ago
well currently there are giving people trials just go to www.psl.co.za and find out more contact them and let me know what happens
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