Who is South Africa’s most successful soccer club — Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns?

South Africa is a sports-mad country, but the love of soccer — the world’s most popular sport — is on different level. Here we look at and compare the three most successful local teams.

The teams with the biggest following in South Africa are Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Coincidentally, they are also the clubs with the most trophies, i.e the most successful.

But just how do they compare against one another? Let’s find out!

KAIZER CHIEFS

The Amakhosi has amassed 54 major trophies throughout its rich history. Their silverware cabinet consists of a record 15 MTN8 titles, 13 national leagues trophies (including 11 in the PSL era), 13 Nedbank Cup wins and as many Telkom Knockout (League Cups). Additionally, they also have one Caf African Cup Winners’ Cup to bring their tally to 55 major trophies.

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ORLANDO PIRATES

The Buccaneers have a long trophy list. But is it longer than their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs?

With nine national league titles (including four PSL championships), 12 MTN 8 wins, nine Nedbank Cups, one Telkom Knockout Cup and two continental trophies, (one CAF Champions League and one CAF Super Cup), Orlando Pirates have had 33 major trophy lifts.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Sundowns haven’t always been a super power in South African soccer, but their recent dominance has propelled them to the very top of the local as well as the continental game.

So far, the Brazilians’ dynasty has racked up an unprecedented 16 national league titles (including 11 PSL championships), clinched four MTN8 titles, six Nedbank Cups and four Telkom Knockout Cup titles. On the continent front, Masandawana have tasted success thrice (one time each in the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup and the African Football League). That brings Sundowns’ overall total of trophies to 33, level with Pirates.

SOUTH AFRICA’S KINGS OF FOOTBALL ARE…

Kaizer Chiefs.

With 55 trophies, the Amakhosi are the out and out leaders of the pack. As it stands, they have 22 trophies more than their closest rivals — Pirates and Sundowns (both 33) — in the silverware department.

Kaizer Chiefs’ ultra-famous gold and black logo. Image: Kaizer Chiefs website.