Already in 1978, there was a merger of the topflight NFL and NPSL, to form the first non-racial division for the First Level of South African football.

[1] The NSL Second Division began in 1985 as a feeder to the then top tier National Soccer League.

It is claimed by the Premier Soccer League that the division was the first non-racial Second Level of South African football.

In 1995 the league was diluted further and developed into four geographical streams (Northern, Southern, Eastern Cape/Natal and Western Cape), each comprising 19 clubs.

When the National Soccer League competition was rebranded in 1996, the organizers also replaced the NSL Second Division.