PSL 2024/25 in review | Chaos, crisis and close calls: The bottom four had it all

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

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. 

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.

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.

13th | MAGESI FC

A cup triumph, a coach’s exit and a great escape

Magesi burst into the top flight with optimism, and their early season heroics were capped by a sensational Carling Knockout triumph, beating favourites Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final. However, the wheels quickly came off when coach Clinton Larsen left unexpectedly — a massive blow, given his role in their promotion. Owen da Gama took over and, after a shaky start, managed to steady the ship and steer the club to safety.

The good and the bad: Winning a major trophy in their debut season was historic. Yet, the nature of Larsen’s departure disrupted the club’s momentum and nearly derailed their campaign entirely.

Star player: Samuel Darpoh | Young Turk: Camren Ashby | Player on the transfer radar: Elvis Chipezeze

What’s to come: Magesi must reinforce their squad to avoid a repeat relegation scrap next season.