PSL recommends Safa promote three teams from the ABC Motsepe League in upcoming play-offs to balance the impact of Royal AM membership cancellation saga

The Premier Soccer League will ask Safa to promote three teams from the ABC Motsepe League instead of the usual two. This follows the cancellation of Royal AM’s professional membership, which created a gap in the professional league structures. The decision was confirmed during a recent Board of Governors meeting.

Thwihli Thwahla’s removal also led to their results being expunged from the PSL log and the 2024–25 season will now continue with updated standings reflecting 28 matches per club.

Royal AM faced serious financial issues linked to SARS debts accrued by owner Shauwn Mkhize, leading to the club being placed under curatorship.

A buyer was found during an auction, but the deal fell through. The team last played a match in December and had failed to honour fixtures since then.

They were first removed from the Nedbank Cup as their legal case caused delays in the competition and these ongoing issues eventually led the PSL to cancel their membership.

The Royal AM membership cancellation has wider implications beyond the second tier. With the PSL set to revamp the log to expunge Royal AM's results, teams that won or lost points against them will see changes in standings. This could see Mamelodi Sundowns lose three points, potentially narrowing the gap between them and Orlando Pirates to just nine. Riviero’s side also has three games in hand, which could make the league title race a thrilling finish.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are both competing in the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Pirates face Pyramids, while Sundowns take on Al Ahly, with both ties being played in Egypt. The dream is to secure an all-South African final, which would be a historic moment for local football. Both teams are determined to conquer Cairo and bring continental glory home.