Khoza explains why the PSL reduced from 18 to 16 teams
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has explained why the league reduced the number of teams from 18 to 16.
When the Premier Soccer League was formed 30 years ago, it had 18 teams. However, that number was reduced to 16 before the start of the 2002/03 season.
According to Khoza, Free State Stars and Ria Stars were removed as the league looked for a more manageable number of clubs. He revealed that the decision was mainly driven by financial pressure. The league was going through a difficult period and was close to collapse.
Speaking to iDisiki Times, Khoza said Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs even went without payments for two months to help keep the league running.
“Without a doubt, it was. We had to do it for austerity measures. And during that period, Pirates and Chiefs even went unpaid for two months,” Khoza said.
“We said the other clubs must receive their money first because if they collapsed, the league collapsed. Those are the sacrifices people never see.”
