PSL officials deserve a pat on the back
THE Premier Soccer League's flagship competition, the DStv Premiership, has stood the test of time in the face of demanding challenges which it embraced with poise and patience.
Just over a year ago, the PSL were stunned when Absa announced that they were pulling the plug on its sponsorship. Absa and the PSL had a fruitful relationship that included a 13-year Premiership sponsorship. The setback stung the PSL into enterprising endeavour in the search for a replacement.
Two months later, the PSL announced that DStv, owned by MultiChoice, was the new headline sponsor, with a five-year contract.
At the time, it was a courageous call by DStv because the Covid-19 pandemic had decimated the sports industry worldwide.
The new sponsors would have seen that the pandemic was creating worldwide turmoil. Every link in the sporting value chain would be affected, including the media that broadcast and covered games.
All games would be played behind closed doors, and that was a massive blow to clubs who rely heavily on the income from supporters attending matches.
The clubs soldiered on, and a few weeks ago, three DStv Premiership teams reached the main draws of Africa's two premier competitions. It was a good advertisement for South African football.
Now that the quarter-finals for the two elite CAF competitions are done, Kaizer Chiefs are the lone surviving South African team. Soon they will join the semi-final round of the Champions League, Africa's premier club competition.
The Premiership has served as a source of inspiration for ambitious First Division clubs who set their sights on playing in the country's top-flight league. Many showed their mettle this season, as was the case when three second-tier clubs reached the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
As the curtain comes down on the 2020/21 Premiership season this weekend, PSL chiefs and club administrators deserve a pat on the back for their sterling work under very trying circumstances. Despite the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, football fans have been able to enjoy the beautiful game on their screens.