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Six Ways the PSL Brand Can go to Another Level

Six Ways the PSL Brand Can go to Another Level

Make no mistake, the PSL is a great league and miles ahead of every, or almost every other league on the continent. However, with just a few small improvements that are relatively easy to implement, the whole “brand” could reach new heights.

Much has been made of the DRC process which has led to confusion and protracted legal proceedings in recent seasons. The Tendai Ndoro registration case for Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns’ breach of the rules in using Wayne Arendse against Bidvest Wits come to mind.

However, those topics have been covered ad nauseam and there is no benefit in repeating them here. Likewise, poor officiating is a major issue that needs to be looked at, but any calls for VAR (Video Assistant Referee) or GDS (Goal Decision System) are simply unrealistic due to the cost involved.

Even though GDS is unrealistic with the high costs to get the technology installed at every ground, there is no reason SuperSport can’t put a normal broadcast camera on the goal-line. That would allow the fourth official check if the ball is 100% certain to have crossed the line.

Last season, there were numerous incidents with a debatable goal-line decision and all could be called from the broadcast camera with no need for GDS. There is a lot at stake and for a goal like the one below to have been awarded is detrimental to the integrity and credibility of the league. There is simply no way any of the officials could be sure that the ball 100% crossed the line.

Currently, SuperSport are broadcasting all 380 English Premier League games live. In the PSL, it’s closer to 200 out of 240 games when the SABC matches are factored into the total. For every midweek round of games, several matches are not shown and there have even been weekends with only one 3 pm kickoff where the official broadcasters have not bothered to televise the game.

Why does it matter? Simple – showing more games gives all clubs exposure, it increases referee accountability and allows greater analysis, both for media and for clubs. That goal above for Chippa United against Baroka came in a fixture which was not televised. Few people will even know about that incident.

Showing every game means greater expense, but one commentator can be sent to the matches and the ones that are not shown live, can be shown delayed. SuperSport have cameras at every game as it stands but don’t always show all of the goals on Extra Time and the other highlights shows.

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Before any major tournament, national teams get hold of the official ball and get accustomed to it. We know about that in South Africa after all the furore over the Jabulani ball in 2010. Back then, Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas unfavourably compared it to a beach-ball.

Yet, in the PSL, every club plays with different balls depending on who sponsors that club. Sundowns use Puma, Cape Town City uses Umbro and so forth. It’s only one factor in a big problem, but no wonder the shooting and finishing in the PSL is often inconsistent or downright poor. The league could get an official sponsor and give every club 200 balls per season to use in training and for matches.

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This is absolutely crucial. It would just need a regular panel to look at goals and decide who they should be credited to. This season already, Happy Jele has been credited with a goal from a shot that was going off target whilst Samir Nurkovic was credited with a goal against SuperSport United which was also likely an own goal.

The reverse has also been true in the past, whilst there have been debates of which player got the final touch on several occasions. As it stands, the referee makes this decision and submits his report with the scorers and that is not changed upon review.

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In a league with just 30 games, it makes sense for players to pick up a suspension after accruing four yellows, as opposed to the five cautions required in many other leagues. However, that logic is then turned on its head for red cards.

A player being sent off for two cautions receives a two-game ban, the same as a dismissal for a violent conduct incident. In other leagues, a two-yellow red card carries a one-game ban. That makes even more sense in a shorter league season like in the ABSA Premiership.

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In last weekend’s Telkom Knockout matches played, five went to extra time. Whilst the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and many countries’ domestic cup competitions now allow a fourth substitution in extra time, that innovation is yet to reach South Africa.

That extra option would provide more fresh legs on the field and therefore keep the quality of the match higher whilst also giving greater protection to players who suffer head injuries and who may be risked to ensure a side remains with their full allotment of players.

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Whilst all these changes could be easily implemented and would improve the quality of the league, they should not detract from what is already an excellent “brand” (as cringeworthy as it is to use that word concerning football).

Sadly, many locals criticise the quality of the football on offer in the PSL without even watching games to make an informed decision. If you’re looking for upsets, dramatic games and great storylines off the field, give the PSL a watch. The football is pretty damn good too, for the most part.

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James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis

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