Maritzburg United's relegation last season underscored the recent struggles of KwaZulu-Natal teams. This trend continued in the 2023/24 season, with Richards Bay FC barely escaping relegation by triumphing in the Promotional/Relegation Play-Offs.

The rest of the province's teams didn't fare much better. Royal AM ended the season in 13th place, only three points ahead of Richards Bay.

Golden Arrows, the highest-placed KZN team, finished ninth, while AmaZulu FC secured 11th place, two points behind Arrows. None of the KwaZulu-Natal teams managed to secure a spot in the Top Eight.

At the launch of the upcoming KZN Premier's Cup, Nomvete, who remains the PSL's all-time leading goal scorer with 123 goals, expressed his frustration with the teams' performances.

"It's not easy, teams are buying players. New players are arriving and other players are leaving. We will have to see which team is serious about securing a spot in second place or first place," said the former Bafana striker, who played for the likes of African Wanderers, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu FC locally. He also played overseas for Udinese and Aalborg BK

Nomvete was particularly disappointed that not a single KZN team made it into the Top Eight. "When you take a look here, there is not one team that made it to the Top Eight, which is bad for me. There should be at least one team that made it to the Top Eight."

Despite his disappointment, Nomvete acknowledged the challenges the teams face. "But then you can’t complain that much because they are not playing alone, the league becomes tougher towards the end.

"Teams are fighting for a CAF spot, for the Champions League and some feel if they get that first place position, it would elevate them to the other big tournaments."

The KZN Premier's Cup, set to be played on 27 and 28 July at Prince Mangosuthu Regional Stadium in Ulundi, provides an opportunity for the teams to regroup and show improvement.

As Nomvete highlighted, the competition and league are getting fiercer, and the teams must adapt and perform better to make their mark in South African football.

Siyabonga Nomvete demands better from KwaZulu-Natal teams