January start for PSL?
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza says they are thinking of going back to a January start to improve South African sides' chances of winning in Africa. PSL chairman Irvin Khoza says they are thinking of going back to a January start to improve South African sides' chances of winning in Africa.
The Premier Soccer League is considering returning the domestic soccer season to a January start, in order to give South African sides a better chance in the African Champions League.
Orlando Pirates and PSL chairman Irvin Khoza revealed on Tuesday that the matter had already been discussed at the league’s last AGM, held during the current off-season.
“It is not good enough to market our league as the best if we are not winning the Champions League,” said Khoza.
No South African side has won the Confederation of African Football’s elite competition since Orlando Pirates in 1995.
Back then, the South African season started in January and finished in November, but it was moved to align with the European season when the Premier Soccer League started in 1996.
“We want to support CAF so we are seriously considering changing the season,” said Khoza.
“It might increase the chance of our teams to compete evenly with teams in Africa.”
The current CAF competition calendar runs from January to November, meaning South African sides have their off-season right in the middle – seriously disrupting their chances in continental competitions.
“It was on the agenda at the last AGM and we are going to discuss it fully,” added Khoza.
“The last time, when we changed it (to an August start), it was because of Bafana, we had problems with the release of players ... now the issue of Bafana is no longer there, because of a common (Fifa) calendar. It may be better to align it (our calendar) with CAF.”