In the early 2000s, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards were one of the swankiest events on the South African entertainment calendar. They were mentioned in the same breath as the esteemed South African Music Awards, and drew the same attention as the prestigious Metro FM awards.
As the years went by, they grew even bigger, and it did not matter whether you could differentiate between a corner kick or an off-side, everyone wanted to be a part of the PSL Awards.
For us novice and junior reporters at that time, it meant yanking that wrinkled, church suit from the wardrobe and those moccasin and idler shoes that had been gathering dust under the bed and heading off to those state of the art venues for the awards night. For the fashionistas and influencers of that time, the kick-and-boboza was staking its claim as the shoe of choice in that season. The bob-cut, beads, bootcut jeans and makarena shoes were rocking for the lasses.
The posh Kyalami’s Theatre on the Track, the swanky Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City and the chic The Pyramid on Eloff Ext in the south of Johannesburg were some of the hip venues that still bring memories, not only to many of the award-winners, but also to supporters and their families, and those lucky enough to have scored an invite to go shake a leg and knock down some hooch.
Over time, the PSL Awards gathered even more momentum, as the late and eccentric Peter Mancer, otherwise known as “Mancer the Dancer” took charge. The charismatic “Squire” took the awards to another level and created one hell of a razzmatazz.
Then Covid-19 came in 2020 and it felt like a naughty, ugly child had brought a very sharp nail to a jumping castle party. As the rest of the world evolved and accepted Covid’s penalties, the awards were held virtually. And things have never been the same.
This past Monday – six years later – we witnessed one of the most saddest PSL Awards night – a whole red-carpet affair in an empty studio. For the umpteenth time, the poor presenters were dressed to the nines, the players were also resplendent in their formal wear, only to make their acceptance speeches in front of stationary cameras with no audience to cheer or clap for them.
This virtual ceremony – the sixth year in this format – is leaving more questions than answers. In fact, it is as absurd as it is very upsetting that half a decade after South Africa was cleared of the killer coronavirus, PSL chairman Irvin Khoza still addressed the audience all alone in an empty studio.
It is as mindboggling as how Golden Arrows’ Junior Dion was able to win the PSL Top Goalscorer with a mere 14 goals, all season long.
What used to be a prestigious red carpet event, for arguably the top league in Africa; and a memorable night of celebrations for both players and supporters has now turned into a dull and boring, pre-recorded TV show that has no oomph and substance.
Maybe, just maybe, one day the PSL will tell us why? Until then, can they just bring back the razzmatazz already…
- The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards were once among South Africa's most glamorous entertainment events, rivaling major music awards.
- Over time, the awards grew in popularity, attracting widespread attention from fans, media, and celebrities.
- The event thrived under the influence of the late Peter Mancer, who enhanced its entertainment value significantly.
- Since the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, the PSL Awards have been held virtually, losing their vibrant atmosphere and audience engagement.
- Despite the country moving past the pandemic, the awards remain a subdued, televised event without live audiences or the former celebratory spirit.
In the early 2000s, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards were one of the swankiest events on the
As the years went by, they grew even bigger, and it did not matter whether you could differentiate between a corner kick or an off-side, everyone wanted to be a part of the PSL Awards.
For us novice and junior reporters at that time, it meant yanking that wrinkled, church suit from the wardrobe and those moccasin and idler shoes that had been gathering dust under the bed and heading off to those state of the art venues for the awards night. For the fashionistas and influencers of that time, the kick-and-boboza was staking its claim as the shoe of choice in that season.
Over time, the PSL Awards gathered even more momentum, as the late and eccentric Peter Mancer, otherwise known as “Mancer the Dancer” took charge.
It is as mindboggling as how Golden Arrows’ Junior Dion was able to win the PSL Top Goalscorer with a mere 14 goals, all season long.
What used to be a prestigious red carpet event, for arguably the top league in Africa; and a memorable night of celebrations for both players and supporters has now turned into a dull and boring, pre-recorded TV show that has no oomph and substance.
Maybe, just maybe, one day the PSL will tell us why? Until then, can they just bring back the razzmatazz already…
