WATCH: The BetWay Premiership is back, a fashionista rates the PSL kits this season

Gone are the days when football jerseys were only meant for players on the field. They have evolved to become fashion statements, and like any other prominent fashion items in popular culture, they have become hugely sought-after.

Just recently, Spanish giants Real Madrid raked in millions in sales after Kylian Mbappe’s number 9 jersey saw huge demand from the club's loyal fan base.

It is reported that the demand for the jersey was so high that the club's online store even crashed.

As a result of the potential to generate huge revenue, clubs around the globe put in a considerable amount of effort when designing their new jersey before the start of every season, and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa is no exception.

Many PSL teams who take part in the BetWay Premiership have unveiled their brand new jerseys before the start of the 2024/25 season and they have undergone design changes over the years.

The evolution of team jerseys

During the 90s and 2000s, the team jerseys were a bit of basic and straight forward, the aim was to have a jersey that represented the team colours and minimum sponsorship logos around the time.

Later in the years as the league grew, the jerseys saw more vibrant colours and designs leading to dynamic pattern designs, especially in 2010 when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup.

And today the jersey designs have moved with the times as we see transitions to modernity, there is more style and boldness with advanced materials used and designs that showcase South African culture.

IOL has asked well-known local fashion designer Fezile Mdletshe to review and rate some of this season’s interesting designs while focusing on aspects such as design and quality.

Mdletshe took to the stores that have the latest PSL jerseys, taking IOL readers on a journey that lets them in on the review and rating of the four renowned team jerseys; AmaZulu FC, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. She looks at the Home, Away and training kits.

The fans are usually eager to weigh in on the jerseys as soon as they drop and IOL reached out for their trusted fan opinions.

Kaizer Chiefs FC

One of South Africa’s most celebrated superfans and Kaizer Chiefs’ number one fan Saddam Maake, has hailed the club’s new jersey, saying that it reminds him of the 90s Kappa jersey in which Amakhosi reigned supreme in South African football.

“For me the jersey is 120%, the combination between Chiefs and Kappa might bring back our glory days.

“It reminds us of the times when Chiefs was winning trophies, when we use to refer to our selves as cup specialists... you can see that you’re wearing something from Italy.

“Everything is nice, the jersey, the colours and tracksuits as well,” Maake said.

In rating Chiefs new offering, Mdletshe said the fabric quality was a 5/10 and for the technical construction she gave it a 6/10.

“They are not pushing the envelope at all here,” says Mdletshe.

The Design Aesthetic is rated at a 6/10, she adds that the design team needs to up their game and try to align style to trend. The overall score for the Kaizer Chiefs jerseys is 6/10, she said.

AmaZulu FC

Unveiling the “Isagila” jersey earlier this month, club president Sandile Zungu said the aim of the jersey was to pay homage to the Zulu warriors who carry “Isagila”, a club carried by Zulu men to protect themselves as they navigate places filled with danger and potential enemies.

AmaZulu goalkeeper and one of the brightest prospects in South African football Olwethu Mzimela, gave the jersey 10/10.

“I love the jersey, I would give it a 10/10, it’s extremely light and the colours are beautiful also. Our traditional green colour is still there, but we have added colours to the mix,” he said.

Mdletshe gave the Usuthu kit an overall 6/10.

“The jersey is well made, I’ll give it that, but there is no technical difficulty and fit has not been properly considered,” says Mdletshe.

“I get the iSagila iconic thing but they could have switched it up a tad,” she adds.

Orlando Pirates FC

The Buccaneers faithful have welcomed the Adidas-designed jersey with open arms on social media and club captain Innocent Maela shared the same sentiments and praised the new jersey.

Mdletshe loved the Pirates, rating the fabric quality 10/10 for its “incredible fabric weight, allowance and stretch”.

For technical construction, she also gave the adidas kit a 10/10.

“Incredible use of various techniques and fabrics. Lot’s of fabric manipulation,” says Mdletshe.

For design aesthetic she gave the kit a perfect 10/10, sharing that the design, fit and form has been well considered and that fashion trends have been taken into consideration with futuristic graphics. The overall score is 10/10.

“I would pay good money for this level of quality and style,” she says.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Since the jersey was revealed on the club’s social media, it received mixed reviews, some have praised the jersey while others felt that the design was too similar to last season’s jersey.

Lwazi Cele a supporter of the club said the jersey was nice and praised the bright colours.

“The jersey is beautiful and I’m sure many of the club supporters feel that way as well, however, it is not too different from last season’s one,” he said.

Mdletshe gave the kit an overall score of 9/10, giving it a fabric quality score of 8/10, technical construction score of 8/10 and a perfect 10 for design aesthetic.

“It’s technically simple, however very fashion forward and well made,” says Mdletshe.

On the design front, this is where the team excelled.

“The design team here is at work all day everyday! graphics are so intentional, they are paying attention,” she says. The overall score for the team jerseys is 9/10.

IOL