GOALIt’s been a season of twists, triumphs, and turbulence across South African football. From Kaizer Chiefs ending a decade-long trophy drought despite league struggles, to Mamelodi Sundowns chasing continental glory, the campaign delivered drama at every turn. Off the field, controversies and comebacks shaped the narrative, proving once again that in the Premier Soccer League, the action never stops.
GOAL runs through a list of the PSL 2024/25 winners and losers.
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BackpageNasreddine Nabi’s first season at the helm of Chiefs fell short of expectations. Tasked with securing a top-eight finish, he failed to deliver — the team ended the campaign in ninth place. Offensively, Chiefs were blunt, netting only 25 goals, while their leaky defence conceded 32, leaving them with a disappointing -7 goal difference.
Nabi also struggled off the pitch. His tense relationship with the media — often marked by confrontational exchanges and a reluctance to engage with differing viewpoints — did little to endear him to the public or press.
BackpageRaymond Mdaka led South Africa’s U-20 team to glory in Egypt, clinching the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title in sensational fashion. They edged Morocco in the final, not just winning the trophy, but also booking a ticket to the Fifa U-20 World Cup. Mdaka’s side dazzled with a high-tempo, possession-based style of play reminiscent of Barcelona’s famed tiki-taka — a refreshing sight in youth football.
BackpageWhile Chiefs stumbled in the league and missed the top eight, they finally broke their decade-long trophy drought — a silver lining in an otherwise inconsistent season.
Under Nabi’s guidance, they lifted the MTN8, defeating arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a thrilling final after toppling Sundowns in the semifinals. It was a much-needed moment of glory for a club craving silverware.
Ace Ncobo, the PSL’s general manager and long regarded as a figure of integrity in South African football, finds himself in a storm. He and his wife recently appeared in court on fraud charges amounting to roughly R15 million.
What’s perhaps more concerning is the silence from the PSL itself. For someone who built a reputation on accountability and discipline, these allegations mark a troubling fall from grace.
BackpageIt was a season to forget for Gavin Hunt. The experienced coach endured one of the toughest spells of his career, unable to find consistent form with SuperSport United.
At one point, the club teetered dangerously close to the relegation zone. Ultimately, they were spared by the timely intervention of Andre Arendse — but the season will go down as Hunt’s most difficult yet.
The unveiling of the new PSL trophy was met with widespread disappointment. Designed by acclaimed artist Nelson Makamo, the trophy’s aesthetics failed to impress fans and pundits alike, many calling it the most underwhelming design in the league’s history. After a season of highs and lows, this was not the crowning moment supporters had hoped for.
BackpageSundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro has been nothing short of electric this season. The Brazilian forward lit up the league with 16 goals and 9 assists, making him arguably the standout performer in the PSL.
He’s also made his mark on the continent, scoring three goals in the Champions League and heading into the second-leg final against Pyramids with more potentially still to come.
BackpageOnce giants of the PSL and one of the few clubs to win the league three times in a row, SuperSport United have seen their star fade. In recent seasons, they’ve transformed into a selling club, offloading top talent and struggling to rebuild. Their narrow escape from relegation playoff danger on the final day of the season was more a stroke of luck than strategy.
CafSundowns continued to set the standard, marching all the way to the Champions League final — and they’re well poised to lift the trophy. Pirates had a solid continental campaign too, reaching the semifinals after topping a group that included record champions Al Ahly. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC enjoyed a breakout season under Steve Barker. Not only did they reach the MTN8 final, but they also secured a top-three finish in the league, earning their place in African competition for next season.
BackpageCape Town City, usually hailed as one of the league’s best-run clubs, couldn’t live up to expectations this season. Despite a strong squad on paper, results on the pitch told a different story.
The coaching change from Eric Tinkler to Muhsin Ertugral did little to alter their fortunes, and with no promotion playoff on the horizon, City have only themselves to blame for another lost campaign.
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