With PSL announcing Betway as their new league title sponsor ahead of the 2024/25 season, we take quick look at the division's three previous partners and rank them.
The story
On Monday, reports emerged that the PSL are closing in a deal with global betting company Betway, with an official announcement taking place today that an agreement has been reached.
The deal between Betway and the PSL is worth R900 million and spread over three years.
This comes after their previous title sponsor Multichoice wanted to pull out of the agreement despite the one-year left on the agreed partnership.
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Nevertheless, the prospect of a new title sponsor is here and we have decided to reflect on the previous three PSL title sponsors, DStv, ABSA, and Castle Lager.
DStv Premiership (6/10)
Since the inception of the PSL in 1996, Multichoice become the third title sponsor in 2020. Notably, no other team beside Mamelodi Sundowns have won the league during the DStv Premiership era, with the Pretoria outfit claiming every title since 2019/20.
Its trophy was a fresh piece of silverware when it was unveiled, as it it was the only league cup without handles unlike the traditional league trophy design we have seen in countries like England and Spain. This modification was a minor detail in the grand scheme of things and this era will go down as a symbol of Masandawana's dominance.
ABSA Premiership (9/10)
The ABSA Premiership era ran from 2007 and 2020, a period many would agree was the height of South Africa league football. SuperSport United, Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Bidvest Wits were all crowned champions during this period. Notably Matsatsantsa won three titles in a row between 2007 and 2010. Pirates came close to matching that record, winning back-to-back championships between 2010 and 2012. In 2016/17 Wits did what was seemingly the unthinkable, as they won the trophy with 60 points, which is often what it takes to clinch the league in Mzansi - stats show.
It was during this era where we saw modern-day icons blossom, with the likes of Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Itumeleng Khune, Senzo Meyiwa, and Hlompho Kekana reaching the peak of their careers.
Castle Premiership (8/10)
Castle Lager was the first PSL title sponsor, as they came on board in 1996 up until 2007. Manning Rangers were the first winners of the trophy, beating Amakhosi to the 1996/97 trophy. The period is nostalgically remembered for having some iconic clubs who now either defunct or have fallen down the football tier list.
Some of these clubs included Seven Stars, Michau Warriors, Witbank Aces, Santos, Bush Bucks, Thembisa Classic, Vaal Professionals, Dynamos, Hellenic, and Jomo Cosmos.
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