The league was founded in 1996 after an agreement between the National Soccer League (South Africa) and the remnants of the National Professional Soccer League (South Africa) The league was reduced from 18 to 16 teams after the end of the 2001–02 season to avoid fixture congestion, causing two teams, Ria Stars and Free State Stars, to be disbanded. Premier Soccer League Castle Premiership (1996-2007) • 1996/97 Manning Rangers • 1997/98 Mamelodi Sundowns • 1998/99 Mamelodi Sundowns • 1999/00 Mamelodi Sundowns • 2000/01 Orlando Pirates • 2001/02 Santos FC • 2002/03 Orlando Pirates • 2003/04 Kaizer Chiefs • 2004/05 Kaizer Chiefs • 2005/06 Mamelodi Sundowns • 2006/07 Mamelodi Sundowns Absa Premiership (2007-2020) • 2007/08 SuperSport United • 2008/09 SuperSport United • 2009/10 SuperSport United • 2010/11 Orlando Pirates • 2011/12 Orlando Pirates • 2012/13 Kaizer Chiefs • 2013/14 Mamelodi Sundowns • 2014/15 Kaizer Chiefs • 2015/16 Mamelodi Sundowns • 2016/17 Bidvest Wits • 2017/18 Mamelodi
