Orlando Pirates were the defending champions, having won the previous 2011–12 season, but lost their title to Kaizer Chiefs.
[5] A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 14 sides from the 2011–12 season and two promoted from the 2011–12 National First Division.
[6] Santos had finished 15th and thus had to go through the 2011-12 PSL Playoff Tournament alongside Chippa United and Thanda Royal Zulu of the National First Division.
Santos were unable to retain their place in the Premiership following a 4–3 defeat in the final game of the Playoff Tournament on 30 June 2012 and were subsequently relegated to the National First Division for the 2012-13 season.
Football teams in South Africa tend to use multiple stadiums over the course of a season for their home games.