Former Mamelodi Sundowns chairlady and managing director Natasha “Iron Lady” Tsichlas believes the Premier Soccer League has fallen short of the standards set during its formative years, despite enjoying strong financial growth.
Tsichlas, who was among the founding administrators of the PSL in 1996, says clubs in the league were more ambitious and committed to building a world-class competition during its early years.
“Those years, in my opinion, were better. Every single team and club owner was more determined to develop the PSL into one of the best professional leagues in the world.”
While acknowledging that the PSL is financially successful, Tsichlas’ biggest concern is the loss of club identity, particularly through frequent changes to team names and locations.
She believes established names such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows and AmaZulu have retained strong support because of their long-standing identities, while other clubs have struggled to build lasting connections with supporters.
“Here in South Africa, the identity of teams is missing.”
Tsichlas specifically criticised the practice of relocating or rebranding clubs, arguing that it makes it difficult for supporters to develop a strong emotional connection with their teams.
She cited Bloemfontein Celtic as an example of the power of a strong football identity, noting that supporters continue to wear the club’s colours despite its absence from the PSL.
The former Sundowns administrator also urged wealthy club owners who cannot dedicate sufficient time to their teams to appoint experienced football professionals to manage their operations.
She pointed to Patrice Motsepe as an example of an owner who ensured that his son, Tlhopie, grew up closely connected to football and understood the environment around the club.
“The most important thing is the structure you have in your team.”
For Tsichlas, the PSL’s financial achievements cannot completely mask what she sees as declining standards in club identity, stability and football administration.
“What I have seen in the PSL the last couple of years, I’m a little bit disappointed.”
