Brent Carelse calls for improved player salaries as PSL marks 30 years

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse says player salaries remain an area where the Premier Soccer League (PSL) must improve as South Africa’s top-flight competition celebrates its 30th anniversary this month.

Carelse began his professional career with Hellenic in 2000 before joining Cape Town Spurs, formerly known as Ajax Cape Town. He established himself in the PSL during his time with the club and earned a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2007.

The former midfielder, who comes from Westbury, says he retains strong memories of the league’s early years and is proud to have played a part in its development. He believes the PSL has made significant progress both commercially and on the field since its formation.

“I’m not that old but I know in ’96 Manning Rangers won the league but for me obviously it has been a dream come true to play at the highest level in South Africa and just seeing how the league has grown and improved over the years, it makes me feel proud to be a part of it,” Carelse said, reflecting on the PSL’s 30-year milestone.

“And to have contributed to that. It’s a very special occasion for former professional footballers, who contributed to where the league is today.”

The league was established in 1996, when Manning Rangers won the inaugural title. Since then, it has become one of the leading competitions in African football, while also helping provide players for South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana.

Carelse praised the PSL for developing footballers capable of representing the country at major tournaments. However, he believes the financial rewards for professional players have not kept pace with the value and success of the competition.

“I can’t say I envisaged it’s going to happen but it’s obviously something I wanted to happen for our country, specifically, because we love football and I wanted us to have a very good league and now one of the best leagues in Africa, I’m proud of that,” the former SuperSport United midfielder continued.

He said the gap between the league’s overall worth and the salaries earned by some players was still too wide.

“I think there is a difference, like I said, the PSL has improved year in and year out but I don’t think the salaries are where they should be, I think definitely it should be more, if you compare what the PSL is worth and what some of the players are earning.

“I don’t think it is where it should be yet but I’m happy that it has improved, from the time we started, so big ups to the PSL, all the sponsors and the club owners for assisting in that,” Carelse added.

Carelse’s career included spells with Hellenic, Cape Town Spurs and Mamelodi Sundowns, while he also played for SuperSport United. He says the league’s growth is a source of pride for the former professionals who helped shape it, but believes better salaries should form part of its next stage of development.