Understanding the motivational and behavioural factors behind PSL fans in South Africa.

Abstract

This study explored the motivation and behaviour of Premier Soccer League (PSL) fans in South Africa. A survey research method using convenience and purposive sampling was adopted in this study. A sample of 221 PSL fans selected from three research venues completed a short demographic questionnaire, the Sports Fan Motivation Scale (SFMS) (Wann, 1995), and the Fan Behaviour Questionnaire (FBQ) (Capella, 2002). In relation to motivation, the results show that PSL fans in South Africa are motivated primarily by entertainment, aesthetics, self-esteem, and group-affiliation. The results found that male fans are influenced by team success to support a PSL team in South Africa and that female PSL fans are influenced by family members. Male PSL fans of this sample were found to be more emotionally invested and more likely to portray negative behaviour than the female fans. Implications of the findings are discussed