The battle for the Premier Soccer League crown has turned into a brutal duel between the Buccaneers and Masandawana. With the margins so tight, the closeness of the race is setting up a dramatic photo finish to the season.
After a four-match losing streak, Amakhosi needed a positive result not only to boost their morale but also to please their restless fan base. Although the result gave them three points, the Glamour Boys remain far behind the leading sides in the Premier Soccer League title race. A win is also a welcome outcome for both Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who have been under pressure.
Amakhosi players’ continued exclusion from the national team reflects how standards have dropped at Naturena. A former Buccaneers star has not minced his words, insisting the Glamour Boys currently do not have players deserving of a place in the squad. He believes the situation highlights just how far the club has fallen from the level expected of a team of its stature.
The Belgian tactician has named his preliminary squad ahead of the friendly games against Panama later in March. The games have been lined up as part of Bafana's preparations for the global football bonanza in the middle of this year. Already, the coach's preliminary squad has been analysed, and questions have arisen on who should be in and who does not deserve a place in it.
The 28-year-old recently broke into Miguel Cardoso’s starting line-up after spending time on the sidelines due to injury. The ex-Buccaneers star has shown signs of gelling well with the Masandawana squad, delivering solid performances and providing an assist in the three matches he has featured in for the Tshwane side. While Innocent Mdledle has been impressed with the move, he has also issued a stern warning as expectations continue to grow around the in-form winger.
The Buccaneers coach was expected to show frustration at the opponent’s goalkeeper for denying the Soweto giants a chance to widen their lead in the Premier Soccer League. Instead, the former Marumo Gallants tactician praised the custodian for his heroic performance. In a moment of admiration, he described the goalkeeper’s display by offering one of the most spiritual applauses for the match-saving efforts.
The PSL was founded in 1996 after the National Soccer League and the National Professional Soccer League agreed to merge into one body.
Who sponsors the Premier Soccer League?
In July 2024 it was announced that Betway would take over from DSTV as the naming rights sponsor for the league in a deal reported to be worth R900 million over 3 years.
How many teams are in the PSL?
16 teams are licensed to participate in the PSL league.
Who runs the PSL?
The Board of governors elects the chairman and the executive committee who are appointed in an election process that takes place every four years.
Who has won the league title the most?
Mamelodi Sundowns have won the league 14 times, including the last 7 titles in a row.
Which club holds the record for the most goals scored in a season?
Kaizer Chiefs scored 73 goals in the 2010-2011 season.
Which club has amassed the most points in a single PSL season?
Mamelodi Sundowns earned 73 points while winning the league title in the 2023-24 season.
Which player scored the most goals in a single PSL season?
Collins Mbesuma for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2004-05 season.
Who holds the PSL appearance record?
Edries Burton made 316 appearances for Santos Cape Town, Cape Town Spurs and AmaZulu.