THE Premier Soccer League and National First Division clubs have settled their dispute, which had delayed the start to the second-tier's season.

"We are happy to announce that we have reached an agreement with the PSL executive committee," said Pat Malabela, who represented the First Division clubs.

After a meeting of the NFD clubs in Johannesburg on Monday, it was decided that the league would start on Friday.

"The league matches are going ahead this weekend as per our agreement," Malabela said yesterday. "We have found each other. The matter has been sorted out internally."

In terms of the agreement, the PSL will give NFD clubs R115-million, said a senior executive member. Though the details of the agreement are still to be made public, it is believed the PSL has decided the NFD's monthly grant will rise from R230000 to R380000. NFD clubs will also now reportedly be responsible for their own travelling, accommodation and meals.

A task team including Kaizer Motaung, Mato Madlala, Jabu Khumalo and Malabela will look into the model of a stand-alone NFD and report back to the National Soccer League board.