It seems the PSL (Premier Soccer League) is drawing a hard line when it comes to who can place a bet on their shiny new Betway Premiership. And spoiler alert: If you’re a player, coach, or official in the league, you better keep your hands off that betting slip—at least where Betway is concerned.
This mandate came from none other than Mato Madlala, PSL’s acting CEO, during the glitzy launch of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, held at M1 Place in Kramerville, Sandton. With coaches and representatives from all 16 premiership clubs in attendance, the vibe was all about the upcoming season—until Madlala dropped the bombshell.
“We’ve provided Betway with a database of everyone who’s registered with the PSL. Be it a player, coach, or club official, if you’re in our system, you’re out of the betting game. At least with Betway,” she said, throwing down the law in what can only be described as the PSL’s very own “no-bet zone.”
In case anyone thought there might be a loophole, think again. Madlala clarified that if anyone registered in the league decides to take their chances on Betway, they will be flagged and reported faster than a handball in the box. “Our partner is Betway. We’ll give them the information. If anyone in our database places a bet, Betway will flag them and report it to us,” she explained, effectively letting PSL insiders know that Betway’s security is tighter than a defensive line during a 90th-minute lead.
However, the restriction seems to have its limits. Madlala pointed out that while Betway will keep a keen eye on PSL players, coaches, and officials, other online betting platforms are a different story. “We can’t monitor other outlets,” she admitted, meaning if someone wants to take a punt elsewhere, PSL has no immediate way of finding out—unless, of course, someone slips up.
So, for all the coaches itching to bet on their own team’s performance (we’re looking at you, hypothetical coach), you’ll have to stick to the sidelines. And if you’re hoping to score big with Betway while working in the league, you can kiss those dreams goodbye.
This directive comes hot on the heels of PSL’s July announcement, where they revealed Betway as their new premiership title sponsor. The deal, valued at a staggering R900 million over three years, marks the dawn of the Betway Premiership era, replacing DStv, which held the title sponsorship since September 2020.
But this deal is not just about big money and flashy ads. It’s about safeguarding the integrity of the sport—or at least making sure that the people responsible for the game aren’t gambling on it. You know, little things like that.
The new season is kicked off on Saturday, 14 September, with Royal AM taking on Cape Town City at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. Royal AM, who finished last season just above the relegation zone, will be looking to turn things around this year. What better way to start than by leading the season’s first match?
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs fans can rejoice. Their team is also getting ready to hit the field for their opening clash against Marumo Gallants at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein later that same day. The buzz is real, and while PSL might be tight-lipped on how much the inaugural Betway Premiership champions will earn, expectations are high. Under DStv, the winners were bagging R15 million each season, so there’s hope that Betway will up the ante.
But before anyone starts dreaming about those big prize money payouts, PSL insiders will need to resist the lure of placing a cheeky bet themselves. Betway might be a title sponsor, but for anyone working within the league, it’s strictly off-limits.
The message is loud and clear: while PSL players and officials will be fully engaged in the beautiful game when it comes to betting, they’ll be sitting this one out.
