According to statistics, newly-promoted sides do not struggle in their first season from the second tier, which is why a KwaZulu-Natal side appears to be early relegation candidates given their troubles.
Due to monies owed to Samir Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento, Thwihli Thwahla remain the only side in the PSL with a FIFA transfer ban, so they have not been able to strengthen their team.
Shaun Mkhize is embroiled in alleged tax irregularities with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), with the courts involved.
In addition, there are new cases dragging on from last year.
Royal AM avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season after they suffered five consecutive defeats, but they got four points in the last two games - a draw against Chippa United and a 2-1 victory over Moroka Swallows - so they avoided the play-offs by three points.
The FIFA ban prevented John Maduka's charges from bringing in reinforcements, and the coach has admitted that motivating players who know there is no competition will be difficult.
Especially if a player knows he will be part of the team and we will not be able to sign him, it's always tricky. They are professional players, they should behave in a professional manner, as a team and as coaches, we demand results as much as we can," Maduka said.
Our employees demand results. It is very important for us to also demand results from our players. Nevertheless, motivating players is always difficult, because they know that we cannot reinforce the team.
"However, we hope and believe they are professionals who will be able to do what is asked of them."
Adding insult to injury, the KZN outfit has had two games abandoned in the DStv Diski Challenge due to insufficient players.
After being promoted from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, only one team suffered automatic relegation from the elite division in the last five seasons.
Cape Town Spurs are that team.
As a result, an experienced PSL team is more likely to go down than a newly promoted one.
The Maggesi have made a number of experienced signings, including Gift Motupa, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Moloisane Mokhele, Limbikani Mzava and Menzi Ndwandwe.
Prior to Spurs' relegation last season, Polokwane City, Black Leopards, Baroka FC, and Marumo Gallants all suffered automatic relegation.
Lidoda Duvha, Chippa United, Moroka Swallows, Maritzburg United and Richards Bay FC were the only newly-promoted side that did not go to the relegation play-offs in the last five seasons, with Maritzburg being the only exception to not retain their top-flight status in 2023.
