Ranking the Top 5 Football Clubs With the Most Fans in South Africa

Football possesses an exceptional power to bring people together and inspire fervent enthusiasm.

In South Africa, the beautiful game is no different, as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) boasts numerous football clubs that enjoy loyal and passionate followings.

The key question at hand is: which football club can claim the most extensive fan base in South Africa?

The extent of a team's supporter base is contingent on various factors, including factors such as stadium attendance, social media followership, and their track record of victories.

5. Bloemfontein Celtic

Situated in Bloemfontein, Free State, Bloemfontein Celtic is a club steeped in a storied past. The club, originally established in 1969, owes its origins to the efforts of Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane, who oversaw the club's affairs until the early 1980s when financial challenges compelled them to relinquish control. The reins of the club were then assumed by Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela.

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In November 2001, after Phunya Sele Sele faced relegation, Molemela decided to divest his shares in the club, and these shares were acquired by Demetri "Jimmy" Augousti, a former Celtic player. Bloemfontein Celtic boasts a substantial and devoted fan base in the Free State, affectionately known as "Siwelele."

The team conducts their home matches at Siwelele Park Ground, a venue that holds a central place in their identity and heritage.

4. Bidvest Wits

Established in 1921, Bidvest Wits stands as one of South Africa's longest-standing football clubs.

Recognisable by their blue and white jerseys, the team commands a devoted fan following, though it may not rival the sheer size of certain other clubs on this roster.

The club earned the nickname "The Clever Boys" or "The Students" in acknowledgment of its strong association with the University of the Witwatersrand.

The 2016–17 season represented a pivotal moment in the club's history, as they clinched their inaugural PSL title.

Their remarkable season statistics encompassed 18 victories, 6 draws, and 6 losses, ultimately securing them the league championship with a narrow three-point lead in a fiercely contested season.

Furthermore, they added to their trophy cabinet by claiming the MTN8 Cup in 2016, besting the 2016 CAF Champions League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the Telkom Cup (League Cup) in 2017.

3. Orlando Pirates

Another Soweto-based team, Orlando Pirates, stand as the arch-nemesis of Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto derby, pitting Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates, enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the most intensely contested football rivalries, not only in Africa but across the globe.

Founded in 1937, the team affectionately referred to as the Buccaneers is easily recognizable by their iconic black and white jerseys. Their name "amapirate," meaning 'Pirates' in IsiZulu, originated when a group of teenagers branched off from the original amateur football club at the Orlando Boys Club, congregating at the residence of a staff member from the same club.

Orlando Pirates achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first club to secure three major trophies in a single season consecutively since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996. These triumphs encompassed the domestic ABSA Premiership league, the Nedbank Cup FA Cup, and the MTN 8 Top 8 Cup.

2. Mamelodi Sundowns

Hailing from Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns rank among South Africa's most accomplished football clubs. Since its inception in 1996, the club has secured the Premier League title a record-breaking 13 times, an achievement that places them at the pinnacle of success. They share the distinction of holding the record for 3 National Soccer League Championships, contributing to an impressive total of 16 league titles.

At present, Mamelodi Sundowns stand as the most triumphant football club in the South African PSL era. Moreover, in terms of market value, the club ranks among the most valuable on the African continent.

In a momentous achievement in 2021, Sundowns reached a historic milestone by becoming the first African club to secure victories in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Women’s Champions League titles. This extraordinary feat further cements their standing as a formidable presence on the continental stage.

1. Kaizer Chiefs

Established in 1970, Kaizer Chiefs undeniably stands as one of South Africa's most popular and accomplished football clubs.

Commonly referred to as "Amakhosi," the team is based in Soweto, Johannesburg, and boasts iconic black and gold jerseys that are instantly recognizable. Their fervent supporters, known as the "Amakhosi Faithful," consistently fill stadiums across the nation.

Kaizer Chiefs holds the highest number of trophies among all South African clubs, positioning them as the most successful team in South African football history since the inception of the top flight in 1970. They command the largest fan base in the country, with an impressive average home attendance of 16,144 during the 2019–20 season, the highest in the league. This distinction has earned them the moniker "The Biggest Club" in Southern Africa. The team hosts their home matches at the 94,797-seat FNB Stadium.