NAUGHTY OR NICE: the best - and worst - of the Betway Premiership in 2024

The year 2024 has been packed with excitement and drama, and it looks very promising for a fiercely contested title race in 24-25. 

This season has dispelled fears of the PSL being labeled a "Farmers League" or a "One Horse Race," often jokingly referred to as the "Premier Sundowns League."

But before we head off into that hopefully exciting future, we thought it would be appropriate to take stock of the highlights and lowlights we have witnessed this season:

UP AND COMING

During their tenures as Bafana Bafana coaches, Carlos Parreira and Carlos Quieroz emphasized the need for a reserve league, but their calls went unheard until Multichoice and the PSL partnered to establish the DStv Diski Challenge.

Ten years later, the Diski Challenge has become a success story in South African football, producing incredible talent for the top flight. This season, young players from clubs like Sundowns, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates made significant impacts.

Notable talents from the Diski Challenge include Relebogile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkotha, Mduduzi Shabalala, Malibongwe Khoza, and Kutlwano Letlhako. Mofokeng, in particular, has become a key player for the Buccaneers, even taking decisive kicks in cup finals, and has attracted interest from Spanish giants Barcelona.

AND THE CROWDS GO WILD

There was a noticeable increase in stadium attendance this season, reflecting the growing interest and support for local football. Traditionally, only cup finals and matches between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs would sell out. However, this season saw a number of games filled to capacity.

Some suggest that the revival of Amakhosi reignited the passion in the country. Additionally, the fierce competitive nature of Pirates and Stellenbosch, as they look to dethrone Sundowns, has also contributed to this trend. Fans are increasingly drawn to good competition rather than one-horse races.

COMPETITION BRINGS OUT THE BEST

After a decade of dominance, Mamelodi Sundowns have finally found worthy challengers this season. They have already missed out on three trophies: the Nedbank Cup at the end of last season, and the MTN8 and Carling Knockout in the new season.

For a team that invests heavily in their squad to win all trophies, these challenges prompted significant changes. They sacked coach Rulani Mokwena and replaced him with Manqoba Mnqithi, who only lasted 19 games before being replaced by Portuguese coach Cardoso.

Cardoso now faces the mammoth task of continuing their impressive form, clinching the PSL title once again, and bringing home the CAF Champions League.

Magesi's victory in the Carling Knockout was an unexpected twist, showcasing the unpredictable and beautiful nature of football.

While Downs have doiminated the league scene, Orlando Pirates have emerged as the new cup kings. This fierce competition is what makes football the best reality show and the game we love!

MUSICAL CHAIRS

Patience and trusting the process are phrases that most PSL club bosses don't associate with. At the first sign of a rough patch, they often pull the trigger on the coach, expecting the new man to hit the ground running.

Right on the eve of the new season, Sekhukhune's newly appointed coach, Peter Hyballa, resigned from his role citing personal reasons, even before the first whistle of the 2024-25 season.

Despite winning the title, losing just one league match, and clinching the inaugural African Football League, Sundowns also sacked coach Rulani Mokwena. He was replaced by his assistant, Manqoba Mnqithi, whose tenure lasted only 19 games.

Elsewhere, AmaZulu and Richards Bay have also sacked their coaches in a quest for a change of fortunes after a poor start to the season.

HAVE WE GONE TO VAR?

Referees have been a hot topic in the PSL for several seasons, with some grave errors costing teams points and coaches their jobs. A recent match between Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs sparked a huge debate over a referee's decision to award a controversial goal.

This controversy even prompted the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to join the calls for the introduction of VAR. He announced plans to meet with football governing bodies to find ways to bring this to fruition.

All football loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR & we need it now, those meetings start now because we are not a 10th world country. I shall report back soonest after meeting SAFA & the PSL this week.

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 29, 2024