The Betway Premiership, South Africa’s premier football league, is in its 2024/25 season. The season began on September 14, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on May 24, 2025.
The Betway Premiership, previously known as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) or DStv Premiership, is South Africa’s top-tier professional football league. Here’s a brief history of the league and its evolution:
Origins & Formation (1996)
- The league was founded in 1996, replacing the National Soccer League (NSL) as the highest level of club football in South Africa.
- It was a merger of two previous leagues: the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and the NSL, uniting South African football under one national competition.
Early Years & Growth
- Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns quickly became dominant forces.
- Mamelodi Sundowns, in particular, became the most successful club in the league’s history.
- SuperSport United had a strong run in the mid-2000s, winning three consecutive league titles from 2007 to 2010.
Sponsorship Changes
The league’s name has changed several times due to different sponsorships:
- Castle Premiership (1996–2007) – Sponsored by Castle Lager.
- ABSA Premiership (2007–2020) – Sponsored by ABSA Bank.
- DStv Premiership (2020–2023) – Sponsored by MultiChoice’s DStv.
- Betway Premiership (2024–Present) – Sponsored by Betway, a betting company.
Top Clubs & Records
- Most League Titles: Mamelodi Sundowns (17+ titles).
- Most Consecutive Titles: Mamelodi Sundowns (2018–2024, still ongoing).
- Most Points in a Season: 71 points by Mamelodi Sundowns (2015/16 season).
International Success
- South African clubs have participated in the CAF Champions League, with Orlando Pirates (1995) and Mamelodi Sundowns (2016) winning the prestigious continental title.
the Betway Premiership (formerly PSL) is the most famous and popular football league in South Africa. Here’s why:
1. It’s South Africa’s Top Football League
- The Betway Premiership is the highest level of professional football in the country.
- It features the best clubs, players, and coaches in South African football.
2. Massive Fan Base
- South Africans are passionate about football, and the league enjoys a huge following.
- Clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns have millions of supporters across the country.
- Matches, especially big derbies like Soweto Derby (Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates), attract massive TV audiences and stadium crowds.
3. Intense Rivalries & History
- The Soweto Derby (Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates) is one of the biggest football rivalries in Africa.
- Clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Cape Town City have built strong competitive rivalries over the years.
4. High-Quality Football
- The league has improved significantly in skill, tactics, and competitiveness.
- Many top South African players start in the Premiership before moving to Europe or other top African leagues.
- International stars also play in the league, making it more exciting.
5. Strong Sponsorship & TV Coverage
- The league has big sponsors (Castle, ABSA, DStv, and now Betway), bringing in huge investments.
- SuperSport and SABC broadcast all matches, making it accessible to millions of fans.
6. International Recognition
- South African teams like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates compete in the CAF Champions League, bringing global attention to the league.
- The PSL is often ranked as one of Africa’s best leagues, competing with Egypt’s Premier League and Morocco’s Botola Pro.
