Strict vetting is now a must

Royal AM are the latest Premier Soccer League club facing extinction, bringing back into focus the Premier Soccer League's process in allowing the purchase of club franchises.

- Jonty Mark

In recent years, it seems like too many business people wanting to buy their way into the PSL had no idea of what it takes to run a football club.

The franchise system has long been a part of South African football.

This is a controversial model, allowing teams to effectively buy promotion and giving a feeling of impermanence to so many clubs. But it can work financially, if the prospective buyer is properly vetted and is committed to the long-term project of building a club.