PSL Turns 30 | Mayoyo: 'It's one of the biggest leagues in the world'
by Sipho Mlotha · KickOffFormer Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo says the start of the PSL era in 1996/1997 revitalised the entire football industry in South Africa.
The Premier Soccer League is celebrating 30 years this season, and Mayoyo, who retired in 2005, believes this new era was the best thing to ever happen to South African football.
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“The formation of the PSL was like freedom after apartheid,” Mayoyo tells KICK OFF.
“It was sunshine after a hurricane. It was the start of better things. It marked the beginning of a vision to make South African football a global force.
“More than anything, there was a significant change in TV rights, and the business sector quickly supported clubs.
“It's because of the PSL that we started to be able to compete internationally. It elevated South African football to be on par with international standards.
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“Trevor Phillips' The Bulldog' made a huge difference; he brought experience on how a professional league should be run to reach the standards of leagues like the English Premier League.
“Today, the PSL is one of the biggest leagues in the world. It was not the case during the NSL [National Soccer League] era.”