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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chaos, crisis and close calls: The bottom four had it all
Magesi FC won the Carling Knockout by beating Mamelodi Sundowns in Bloemfontein in November. Meanwhile, they finished the Betway Premiership in 13th Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season, the spotlight shifts from the title chase to the turmoil at the bottom of the table. In the first part of our season review we look at four clubs faced humiliation, heartbreak and hard lessons in survival — or in Royal AM's case, expulsion. From chaotic boardrooms to sacked managers and historic cup wins, here's how it all fell apart at the bottom of the Betway Premiership Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 16th | ROYAL AM Royally messed up the standing of the league Royal AM were a disgrace to top-flight football. Their season was marred by administrative ineptitude, culminating in their expulsion — and leaving the PSL with egg on their face. What should have been a sporting story turned into a legal circus, largely due to club president Shauwn Mkhize's failure to meet her duties as a law-abiding citizen. This opened the door for SARS to pursue liquidation proceedings. The PSL's delayed response only worsened matters. Royal AM had consistently shown disregard for the league's statutes, governance, and ethics. Their mere participation this season disrupted fixtures and undermined the league's integrity. The good and the bad: Nothing good came from their campaign. Their chaotic involvement brought disrepute to the league and compromised the PSL's obligation to complete the season with 16 teams. Star player: None | Young Turk (U23 player): None | Player on the transfer radar: Siphiwe Cele What's to come: Thankfully, nothing. Admin scrolled a little bit too far 🥹🏆 Guess we've always been a team that never says die#iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 31, 2025 15th | CAPE TOWN CITY Up and down, and not a lot to show for it The Citizens were inconsistent throughout the campaign and must now battle Orbit College and Casric Stars in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. Two coaching changes didn't help. Eric Tinkler was dismissed after a string of poor results, and his replacement, Muhsin Ertugral, initially sparked hope by defeating both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs 1-0. However, the revival was short-lived, and results plummeted again, leading to Ertugral's departure as well. The good and the bad: Ertugral's brief spell included those memorable wins over the Soweto giants. But a 13-match winless run severely damaged their season. Though they picked up four points in their last two matches, a 15th-place finish is a fair reflection of their campaign. Star player: Thulani Serero | Young Turk: Jaedin Rhodes | Player on the transfer radar: Darwin Gonzalez What's to come: Their recent points haul provides hope. They possess enough quality to see off Casric Stars and Orbit College and secure their PSL status. To every supporter who stood by us, thank you! Your loyalty, patience, and belief meant everything this season. We see you. We appreciate you, Matsatsantsa. 💙#MatsatsantsaUnified #ForTheBadge — SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) May 29, 2025 14th | SUPERSPORT UNITED That's the way the cookie crumbles SuperSport United clung to their top-flight status by a thread, finishing just one place above the play-off zone. This was unfamiliar territory for a side known for regular Top 8 finishes. But years of financial difficulties finally caught up with them, as even former head coach Gavin Hunt admitted it was hard to run a tight ship without resources. Amidst speculation of a sale and name change, the team suffered on the pitch. The sacking of Hunt — a man who had just marked his 1 000th league game as coach — was a brutal end to a season already laden with distress. The good and the bad: There was a glimmer of pride as players Neo Rapoo, Thato Sibiya, Thabang Mahlangu and Lazola Maku helped Amajita win the Under-20 Afcon. But domestically, it was all downhill. Star player: Siphesihle Ndlovu | Young Turk: Neo Rapoo | Player on the transfer radar: Ime Okon What's to come: Uncertain. A potential sale and rebranding as Bloemfontein Celtic looms.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
PSL must do much better next season after disruptive campaign
Mihlali Baleka | Published 8 hours ago Final Whistle Column The teething problems were there even before the season officially got underway, but the masses held their breath, hoping for everything to fall into place. But it wasn't to be. The PSL was brought about disrepute throughout the season, so much so that there'll be better expectations next season. Perhaps the fact that the majority of the fans are not rating the design of the new Premiership trophy by Nelson Makamo sums up this season. Makamo was heavily criticised for his design when the new cup was unveiled last Sunday, with naysayers linking it with the infamous hookah pipes. The renowned designer tried to justify himself, saying that he got the idea for the trophy through his ancestors as he wanted to produce something iconic. But the football masses, including yours truly, are having none of that, as his instinctive design didn't align with football heritage often portrayed through silverware. Makamo, also, is just unfortunate that he has suddenly become a sacrificial lamb as some of us have been there even before the start to see the signs of a ticking bomb. The multi-billion rand Premiership was initially shaken when broadcasting giants DStv pulled out as the main sponsor of top-flight football at the 11th hour amid financial struggles. That all but forced PSL head honcho Irvin Khoza to find an immediate solution, and thanks to his impeccable leadership, it wasn't long that the product attracted interest. In the end, though, it was betting heavyweights Betway that won the bid of being the league's main sponsor, changing how some people viewed sports betting. But that wouldn't deter the overall feeling that Khoza had hit a jackpot by bringing Betway on board, given their vast financial power and growth over the years. Betway and the PSL, however, said, at the time, that they were not yet ready to reveal the championship trophy as they were still in discussion with a few top designers for expert input. In the end, it was Makamo that won the bid. The revered designer got a lot of stick from the masses after his masterpiece wasn't deemed worth it for a football competition. But be that as it may, the PSL's season was already rocked, largely due to the expulsion of Royal AM, whose season had to be declared null and void. Royal AM brought the league into disrepute after the club's president, Shauwn Mkhize, owed money to SARS, resulting in the curator taking over assets, including the football club. And with Mkhize unable to pay the curator the sum of R40 million, that led to the curator putting up the club for sale, resulting in the no payments as the PSL also froze grants. And after no entity successfully bought Royal AM early this year, the PSL Board of Governors had no choice but to vote in favour of the expulsion of Thwihli Thwahla. It was a dark time for those who were under the payroll of the club, but not its owners and the management team, as they brought the league into disrepute from the outset. When Royal AM joined the elite league, they made a mockery of its professionalism, paying player bonuses on the pitch, fighting with fellow officials and turning stands into parties. And so their questionable deeds finally caught up with the club, but it's unfortunate that it was at the expense of the league and its stakeholders, Betway and Nedbank. Right now, there's a pending case regarding the improper registration of Sifiso Magawana by NFD log leaders Durban City, hence their automatic promotion has been put on pause. It is not the first time that the PSL have been embroiled in a promotion saga related due to improper registration, so that's a story for another day. But overall, it's been a disruptive season for the PSL in the top-flight, so expectations will be rife for things to improve significantly next season.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL must do much better next season after disruptive campaign
Shauwn Mkhize Royal AM owner Shauwn Mkhize saw her club expelled from the Premiership. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media Final Whistle Column The teething problems were there even before the season officially got underway, but the masses held their breath, hoping for everything to fall into place. But it wasn't to be. The PSL was brought about disrepute throughout the season, so much so that there'll be better expectations next season. Perhaps the fact that the majority of the fans are not rating the design of the new Premiership trophy by Nelson Makamo sums up this season. Makamo was heavily criticised for his design when the new cup was unveiled last Sunday, with naysayers linking it with the infamous hookah pipes. Betway Squad 📣📣📣 The moment you have been waiting for 🔥🔥🔥 The Betway Premiership Trophy 🏆 Phakamisa izandla Bazalwane 🎉🎉🎉#BetwayPrem #BetwayPremTrophy — Betway ZA (@Betway_za) May 18, 2025 Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The renowned designer tried to justify himself, saying that he got the idea for the trophy through his ancestors as he wanted to produce something iconic. But the football masses, including yours truly, are having none of that, as his instinctive design didn't align with football heritage often portrayed through silverware. Makamo, also, is just unfortunate that he has suddenly become a sacrificial lamb as some of us have been there even before the start to see the signs of a ticking bomb. The multi-billion rand Premiership was initially shaken when broadcasting giants DStv pulled out as the main sponsor of top-flight football at the 11th hour amid financial struggles. That all but forced PSL head honcho Irvin Khoza to find an immediate solution, and thanks to his impeccable leadership, it wasn't long that the product attracted interest. In the end, though, it was betting heavyweights Betway that won the bid of being the league's main sponsor, changing how some people viewed sports betting. But that wouldn't deter the overall feeling that Khoza had hit a jackpot by bringing Betway on board, given their vast financial power and growth over the years. Betway and the PSL, however, said, at the time, that they were not yet ready to reveal the championship trophy as they were still in discussion with a few top designers for expert input. In the end, it was Makamo that won the bid. The revered designer got a lot of stick from the masses after his masterpiece wasn't deemed worth it for a football competition. Betway Squad 📣📣📣 The moment you have been waiting for 🔥🔥🔥 The Betway Premiership Trophy 🏆 Phakamisa izandla Bazalwane 🎉🎉🎉#BetwayPrem #BetwayPremTrophy — Betway ZA (@Betway_za) May 18, 2025 But be that as it may, the PSL's season was already rocked, largely due to the expulsion of Royal AM, whose season had to be declared null and void. Royal AM brought the league into disrepute after the club's president, Shauwn Mkhize, owed money to SARS, resulting in the curator taking over assets, including the football club. And with Mkhize unable to pay the curator the sum of R40 million, that led to the curator putting up the club for sale, resulting in the no payments as the PSL also froze grants. And after no entity successfully bought Royal AM early this year, the PSL Board of Governors had no choice but to vote in favour of the expulsion of Thwihli Thwahla. It was a dark time for those who were under the payroll of the club, but not its owners and the management team, as they brought the league into disrepute from the outset. When Royal AM joined the elite league, they made a mockery of its professionalism, paying player bonuses on the pitch, fighting with fellow officials and turning stands into parties. And so their questionable deeds finally caught up with the club, but it's unfortunate that it was at the expense of the league and its stakeholders, Betway and Nedbank. And we've done it🏆 — Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) May 18, 2025 Right now, there's a pending case regarding the improper registration of Sifiso Magawana by NFD log leaders Durban City, hence their automatic promotion has been put on pause. It is not the first time that the PSL have been embroiled in a promotion saga related due to improper registration, so that's a story for another day. But overall, it's been a disruptive season for the PSL in the top-flight, so expectations will be rife for things to improve significantly next season.
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs set for season finale showdown against Polokwane City
Kaizer Chiefs will bring their 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign to a close this Saturday when they face Polokwane City at FNB Stadium in their final league match of the season. This crucial 28th encounter comes after a shortened campaign due to the expulsion of Royal AM earlier in the season, leaving all remaining clubs with two fewer fixtures. The stakes are high for both sides. Kaizer Chiefs, currently ninth on the log with 31 points, will be aiming for a win that could see them break into the top eight – a mark they narrowly missed last season. Meanwhile, Polokwane City, sitting in seventh with 33 points, will be fighting to retain their top-half position and will need to avoid defeat to do so. Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will be boosted by the return of defenders Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, who are back from suspension. However, winger Pule Mmodi will miss the game after being sent off in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United. Off the pitch, fans are in for a treat as Kaizer Chiefs and SAB are hosting a fan appreciation event to celebrate the season's end. The festivities begin at 12:30 with live performances from top local DJs and artists, including Ms Cosmo, Jelly Babie, and DeeJ Yamang. Supporters will also have the unique opportunity to take photos with the recently secured Nedbank Cup trophy. Kick-off for the highly anticipated clash is at 15:00. Tickets are available for R60 and can be purchased online at or in-store at Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide. Kaizer Chiefs fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear their gold and black with pride, and show their support as the club closes out a challenging season with one final push. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
EIGHT incredible stats from Mamelodi Sundowns' eighth straight PSL title
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Chippa United 3-0 on Wednesday night to secure their eighth consecutive PSL title (and 15th overall) – both PSL records. Take the eight title wins and put them on a table, and the naked eye will struggle to distinguish one from the next because they all follow that flawless Masandawana winning formula. Here are EIGHT stats that make this particular Mamelodi Sundowns title/team unique. 62 – This Mamelodi Sundowns are the first team to score 62 goals during a single season in the 30-game PSL era (2002/03 onwards). The previous record was 56, and they still have one game to play. ( It's 64 goals if you include the Royal AM 2-1 annulled results.) 20 – This was the 20th league game this season in which Mamelodi Sundowns scored 2 or more goals. Only the 1998/99 Kaizer Chiefs and 1999/00 Orlando Pirates have done this more times in a season. ( 21 times if you include the Royal AM 2-1 annulled result.) 13 – This was the 13th league game this season in which Mamelodi Sundowns scored 3 or more goals, equalling the record set by 1999/00 Mamelodi Sundowns side. For context, the nearest challengers, Orlando Pirates, have achieved this feat just three times all season. 70 – Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the 70-point mark in each of the last three seasons, but this is the first time in PSL history that any team has done so in just 27 games. 23 – Mamelodi Sundowns have won 23 games this season, equalling the PSL record for wins by a team in a single season (Manning Rangers 96/97, Mamelodi Sundowns 98/99 & 99/00 and Kaizer Chiefs 98/99). (24 wins if you include the Royal AM 2-1 annulled result.) Masandawana have drawn only one game this season and are set to establish a new record for the fewest draws by a team in a season (3 was the fewest in the past). 100% – Mamelodi Sundowns have beaten every team they have faced in the league this season at least once, just the second time this has happened for them after 2022/23, and the fourth time overall in PSL history (Stuart Baxter did the same at Kaizer Chiefs in 2013/14 and 2014/15). 9 – Mamelodi Sundowns have now won home and away against nine different opponents this season, setting a new record for league doubles by a team in a PSL season (previous best was 8). 100 – This Mamelodi Sundowns team have scored 100 goals across all competitions this season, becoming the first team in PSL history to reach 100 goals in a single campaign. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
