Football has an extraordinary ability to unite people and ignite passionate support. In South Africa, the beautiful game is no exception, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) featuring several football clubs that command dedicated and fervent fans.
The big question here is: which football club has the largest fan base in South Africa?
The size of a team’s fan base depends on factors like stadium attendance, social media following, and the number of game wins.
Football Clubs With The Most Fans In South Africa
1. Kaizer Chiefs
Founded in 1970, Kaizer Chiefs is undoubtedly one of the most popular and successful football clubs in South Africa.
Often referred to as “Amakhosi,” the team is based in Soweto, Johannesburg.
The club’s iconic black and gold jerseys are easily recognizable, and their passionate supporters, known as the “Amakhosi Faithful,” pack stadiums across the country.
They have the highest number of trophies among all South African clubs, making them the most successful team in South African football history since the inception of the top flight in 1970.
They enjoy the largest fan base in the country, with an impressive average home attendance of 16,144 during the 2019–20 season, which was the highest in the league.
This achievement has earned them the nickname “The Biggest Club” in Southern Africa. The team hosts its home matches at the 94,797-seat FNB Stadium.
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns, based in Pretoria, is one of South Africa’s most successful clubs.
The club has clinched the Premier League title a record-breaking 13 times since its establishment in 1996.
They share the record of holding the record for 3 National Soccer League Championships, contributing to their impressive total of 16 league titles.
As of now, they stand out as the most successful football club in the South African PSL era. In terms of market value, the club also ranks among the most valuable in Africa.
Sundowns take great pride in their distinctive yellow jersey and attacking style of play, known locally as “Shoe Shine & Piano.”
This style is characterized by a blend of quick, short ground passes and is reminiscent of the Spanish Tiki-taka.
This unique approach isn’t limited to their senior team; it’s deeply ingrained in their Youth teams and Women’s football teams as well.
In a historic milestone in 2021, Sundowns achieved a significant feat by becoming the first African club to win both the CAF Champions League and CAF Women’s Champions League titles, solidifying their position as a dominant force on the continental stage.
3. Orlando Pirates
Another Soweto-based club, the Orlando Pirates, is Kaizer Chiefs’ arch-rival.
The Soweto derby, featuring Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, is renowned as one of the most fiercely contested derbies in Africa and in the world.
Established in 1937, the Buccaneers, as they are affectionately called, are known for their distinctive black and white jerseys.
They earned the name “amapirate,” which translates to ‘Pirates’ in IsiZulu when a group of teenagers broke away from the original amateur football club at Orlando Boys Club and began gathering at the residence of an Orlando Boys Club staff member.
The club achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first club to win three major trophies in a single season consecutively since the establishment of the Premier Soccer League in 1996.
These victories included the domestic league ABSA Premiership, the FA Cup Nedbank Cup, and the Top 8 Cup MTN 8.
4. Bidvest Wits
Bidvest Wits, founded in 1921, is one of the oldest football clubs in South Africa.
The team is known for its blue and white jerseys and has a loyal fan base, even though it might not be as large as some other clubs on this list.
The nickname “The Clever Boys” or “The Students” was bestowed upon the club due to its close affiliation with the University of the Witwatersrand.
The club marked their entry into the winners’ circle by securing their first major title in 1978 when they emerged victorious in the Mainstay Cup, triumphing over Kaizer Chiefs in the final.
In the following years, their success continued as they won the BP Top 8 title six years later, and in 1985, they once again overcame Chiefs, this time in the final of the JPS Knockout Cup.
The 2016–17 season marked a significant milestone for the club as they claimed their maiden PSL title.
Their impressive season record included 18 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, ultimately earning them the league championship by a slender three-point margin in a highly competitive season.
They also added more silverware to their collection by securing the MTN8 Cup in 2016, defeating the 2016 CAF Champions League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the Telkom Cup (League Cup) in 2017.
5. Bloemfontein Celtic
Located in Bloemfontein, Free State, Bloemfontein Celtic is a club with a rich history.
The club, originally founded in 1969, has its roots in the efforts of Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane.
They took charge of the club’s administration until the early 1980s when financial difficulties led them to relinquish control. The club was then acquired by Petrus “Whitehead” Molemela.
In November 2001, following the relegation of Phunya Sele Sele, Molemela decided to sell his shares in the club.
These shares were purchased by Demetri “Jimmy” Augousti, a former Celtic player. Bloemfontein Celtic enjoys a substantial and dedicated fan base in the Free State, affectionately known as “Siwelele.”
The team hosts their home matches at Siwelele Park Ground, which is an integral part of their identity and heritage.
6. Cape Town City FC
Cape Town City FC, formed in 2016, is a relatively new club compared to others on this list.
However, their quick rise to prominence in South African football has garnered them a significant following, especially in Cape Town. The club’s blue and yellow jerseys, along with their attractive playing style, have won over many fans.
The original football club, Cape Town City FC, was initially established in 1962 before undergoing a reformation in 2016.
The team’s home matches are now held at the Cape Town Stadium, while their training center is located at Hartleyvale Stadium, a ground that held significance as the club’s original home from 1962 to 1977.
Cape Town has a diverse football landscape with several clubs, giving rise to several smaller local derbies.
However, the clashes against the city’s second-largest club, Cape Town Spurs FC (formerly Ajax Cape Town FC), take center stage as the most major derby matches.
7. AmaZulu FC
AmaZulu Football Club is based in the city of Durban, within the KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a rich history, the club was established in 1932 by Zulu migrant workers.
Originally, the club bore the name “Zulu Royal Conquerors.” Its transformation came about when the team was introduced to the Zulu king at the time, Solomon.
Under his influence, the club underwent major changes. The name was altered to “Zulu Royals,” the team’s colors shifted to royal blue and white, and a distinctive shield was incorporated into the club’s logo.
The nickname “Usuthu” stems from a Zulu war cry, adding cultural significance and identity to the club.
Over the years, AmaZulu FC has maintained its legacy as one of South Africa’s oldest and most esteemed football clubs, with a colorful history intertwined with the Zulu culture and heritage.
The club has retained a passionate fan base, and their recent resurgence in the PSL has only strengthened their popularity.
Over the years, the club has had varying degrees of success in South African football. They have participated in domestic competitions, including the PSL and various cup competitions, with their performance fluctuating from season to season.
8. Supersport United
SuperSport F.C. is a football club that belongs entirely to the South African television channel group, SuperSport.
Originally known as Pretoria City, the club underwent a significant change in 1994 when M-Net acquired it. The acquisition received approval from the National Soccer League, resulting in the club’s renaming.
This club includes a professional football team affiliated with the Premier Soccer League.
And, it houses various youth academy teams as part of the SuperSport United Youth Academy, and these teams compete in the respective structures of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Their stadium, Lucas Moripe Stadium, has an average capacity of 29,000, and the team has more than 530,000 followers on social media.
They have won 12 trophies, including three times Premier Soccer League cups, which has grown their fan base and reputation.
9. Maritzburg United
Founded in 1981 in Pietermaritzburg, is known for its remarkable escape from relegation during the 2015/16 season.
The team’s dedicated supporters played a big role in this achievement, helping Maritzburg United secure the eighth position in the National Premier Soccer League (PSL) league.
The club has a strong social media presence with over 312,000 followers across its platforms.
Maritzburg United calls the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg its home ground, with a seating capacity of 12,000 spectators.
In terms of their recent performance, the club achieved the status of runners-up in both the cup and the league cup in consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019.
This reflects their competitive presence in South African football during those years.
10. Chippa United
Chippa United Football Club was established in January 2010 when Chippa Mpengesi acquired the Vodacom League franchise of the Paarl-based club, Mbekweni Cosmos, for a sum of R400,000.
Prior to this acquisition, Mbekweni Cosmos had earned promotion from the Castle League at the conclusion of the 2008–09 season and subsequently entered the Vodacom League during the 2009–10 season.
In the 2010–11 season, the club officially adopted the name “Chippa United.”
The club’s inaugural season proved to be highly successful, as the club won the Western Cape Vodacom League championship.
They went on to win the Vodacom League National Coastal Stream title, earning them promotion to the National First Division.
In a noteworthy achievement, the club was crowned the overall 2010–11 Vodacom League National champions after defeating Sivutsa Stars, who were the winners of the Inland Stream.
This success marked the beginning of Chippa United’s journey in South African football.
FAQs
Which team has the most fans in South Africa?
Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs holds the title for the most supported team in South Africa, with a fan base of over 16,000,000 at the turn of the century.
What is the biggest club in South Africa?
With a revenue of $25 to $50m, Kaizer Chiefs employs 100 – to 250 people
A study of this ever-growing brand clearly the biggest sporting brand in South Africa and in the Southern African region, has led the Club to be declared “The Biggest Club” in Southern Africa.
Which team has more supporters in PSL?
Kaizer Chiefs
When it comes to South African football, Chiefs unquestionably stands out as the preeminent club, excelling in average stadium attendance, on-field achievements, widespread popularity, and top-notch infrastructure.
Which African football club has the most fans?
Al-Ahly is the football team in Africa with the most fans.
Founded in 1907, Al-Ahly SC has over 30 million followers on social media pages
Which club has the most trophies in South Africa?
Kaizer Chiefs the most decorated club in South African football have won 93 trophies over the past 47-year history.
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