Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has reflected on the recently concluded 2024/25 PSL season, pinpointing an issue that, in his view, put a ‘bad marker’ on the league campaign.
The just-ended Premiership season saw Mamelodi Sundowns secure their eighth consecutive league title. But Masandawana faced stiff competition from Orlando Pirates, who were determined to dethrone the Tshwane giants and claim the championship for the first time since 2012.
The Buccaneers mounted a strong challenge, but Sundowns ultimately leveraged their experience to clinch the league in the final months of the campaign.
However, the season wasn’t without its off-field drama. Royal AM failed to fulfil their fixture obligations, leading to the PSL’s decision to expel the Shawn Mkhize-owned team and deactivate their membership.
In the wake of the Royal AM saga, the PSL made the unprecedented decision not to relegate any team directly. Instead, the club finishing 15th on the log standings would participate in the Promotional/Relegation Playoffs.
ROYAL AM SAGA SPARKS PLAYOFF TURMOIL: CT CITY FIGHTS ON
That team as it stands i Cape Town City FC, who finished 15th and will now battle Motsepe Foundation Championship sides Orbit College and Casric Stars to retain their top-flight status.
But CT City have challenged the outcome of the 1-1 Premiership draw between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows. The match, played in Pretoria, had its second half completed last week – a remarkable three months after it was initially abandoned due to a lights failure.
The point secured by SuperSport from this controversial resumed fixture directly impacted CT City, allowing SuperSport to avoid the 15th-placed playoff position, which subsequently fell to the Cape side.
The Citizens’ challenge hinges on their assertion that PSL rules mandate such a fixture must be completed within 48 hours and with the same personnel on the field. Reports indicate that the arbitration hearing for this matter is scheduled for Wednesday.
JOHNSON QUESTIONS HOW THE ROYAL AM SAGA WAS HANDLED
Speaking at the La Liga event in Melrose Arch most recently, Johnson said that the Royal AM case put a bad image on the league.
“I think the one thing that put a bad marker on the league is the Royal AM saga; it did not go well because the club didn’t even play halfway through the season,” said Johnson.
“In saying that, I thought Pirates were really good this season, and I thought they should have won more than one trophy.
“So I think Pirates gave Sundowns a run for their money, but as I said, the biggest let down was how we handled the Royal AM situation.”
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