Premier League

Complete guide to the Betway Premiership

The Betway Premiership is the top tier of professional football in South Africa. It forms part of the broader Premier Soccer League, which oversees the country’s professional divisions.

The league features South Africa’s leading clubs competing for the national title and qualification to CAF competitions.

History and background

The Premier Soccer League was established in 1996, replacing the National Soccer League as the top division in South African football.

The first PSL season was played in 1996–97. Since then, the league has grown into one of the strongest domestic competitions in Africa.

The top division has had several sponsors over time and is currently known as the Betway Premiership.

Format and competition structure

The Betway Premiership consists of 16 teams competing over a full season.

League format

• Each team plays 30 matches
• Clubs face each other home and away

Points system

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

League standings

• Teams ranked by total points
• Goal difference used if teams are level
• Goals scored used as the next criterion

Promotion and relegation

• The bottom-placed team is relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship
• The team finishing 15th enters promotion/relegation play-offs
• Play-offs include top teams from the second division

Domestic competitions

• Top eight teams qualify for the MTN8 at the start of the next season
• All top-flight teams compete in the Nedbank Cup

Qualification for continental competitions

• League winners qualify for the CAF Champions League
• Runners-up also qualify for the CAF Champions League
• The Nedbank Cup winner qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup

Dynasties and dominant eras

Mamelodi Sundowns dominance

Mamelodi Sundowns are the dominant force in the modern era. Their sustained success has seen them win multiple consecutive league titles and establish themselves as South Africa’s leading club.

Historic giants

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are among the most historically significant clubs in South African football, with strong support and consistent competitiveness across different eras.

Recent winners

• 2024–25: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2023–24: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2022–23: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2021–22: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2020–21: Mamelodi Sundowns

List of winners

• 1996–97: Manning Rangers
• 1997–98: Orlando Pirates
• 1998–99: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1999–00: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2000–01: Orlando Pirates
• 2001–02: Santos
• 2002–03: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2003–04: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2004–05: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2005–06: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2006–07: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2007–08: SuperSport United
• 2008–09: SuperSport United
• 2009–10: SuperSport United
• 2010–11: Orlando Pirates
• 2011–12: Orlando Pirates
• 2012–13: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2013–14: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2014–15: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2015–16: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2016–17: Bidvest Wits
• 2017–18: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2018–19: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2019–20: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2020–21: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2021–22: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2022–23: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2023–24: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2024–25: Mamelodi Sundowns

Most successful clubs

• Mamelodi Sundowns – 15 titles
• Kaizer Chiefs – 13 titles
• Orlando Pirates – 9 titles
• SuperSport United – 3 titles

Top scorers

• Peter Shalulile – 130 goals
  Siyabonga Nomvethe – 129 goals

These players represent the highest level of consistency in front of goal across different eras of the league.

Players of significance

Peter Shalulile has defined the modern era with consistent goalscoring for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Siyabonga Nomvethe remains one of the league’s most consistent performers, with longevity and goals across multiple clubs.

Doctor Khumalo played a key role in the early years of the PSL and remains one of South Africa’s most influential footballers.

Managers of significance

Pitso Mosimane played a major role in shaping Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, building one of the most successful teams in PSL history.

Stuart Baxter guided Kaizer Chiefs to multiple league titles and remains one of the most successful coaches in the competition.

Records and milestones

• First PSL champions: Manning Rangers (1996–97)
• Most successful club: Mamelodi Sundowns (15 titles)
• Most consecutive titles: Mamelodi Sundowns
• First PSL season: 1996–97

Why the Betway Premiership matters

The Betway Premiership is the foundation of professional football in South Africa. It provides a platform for local talent and serves as a pathway to continental competition.

The league plays a key role in developing players for the national team and maintaining South Africa’s presence in African football.

Success in the Betway Premiership defines domestic dominance and contributes to a club’s long-term legacy.