Teams With Most Trophies in South Africa – In the vibrant heart of Mzansi football, where passion flows as freely as the vuvuzela’s call, success is unequivocally measured in silverware. PSL titles are more than polished metal; they are the currency of bragging rights, symbols of eras dominated, and the gleaming proof of a club’s enduring legacy. For generations, South African soccer fans have pledged allegiance to their chosen colours, their devotion often rewarded by the sight of their heroes hoisting coveted cups. While many have strived, a select few have consistently risen, their cabinets overflowing, their names etched indelibly in the annals of football history. The article delves deeper into South Africa’s teams with most trophies.
Teams With Most Trophies in South Africa: The “Big Three”
South African football has long been characterised by the towering presence of its “Big Three”: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. These titans have, for decades, maintained a collective grip on the nation’s most prestigious honours. Their sustained success is not accidental; it’s a testament to ambition, talent cultivation, and an insatiable hunger for glory, creating a cycle of achievement that attracts top players and fervent fan loyalty, making their top-tier status a self-perpetuating reality.
Kaizer Chiefs: The Amakhosi’s Golden Hoard
Kaizer Chiefs, the “Amakhosi,” boast a history rich with triumph, particularly renowned for their unparalleled success in domestic cup competitions. Their trophy haul is staggering, reflecting dominance across various eras. The club has secured 12 top-flight league titles, including four in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era founded in 1996 , three in the National Soccer League (NSL) , and five in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL).
However, it is in knockout tournaments where their “Cup Kings of South Africa” moniker truly resonates. They hold a record 13 Nedbank Cup titles (and its historical equivalents like the Mainstay Cup and Bob Save Super Bowl), remarkably winning nine of the first 17 editions of this prestigious competition. Their supremacy extends to the MTN 8 (formerly BP Top 8), which they have lifted a record 15 times , and the League Cup (known over the years as the Telkom Knockout, Coca-Cola Cup, and now Carling Knockout Cup), also claimed a record 13 times.
On the continental stage, the Amakhosi clinched the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 2001. While their league prowess in the PSL era has been less frequent than their cup exploits, their ability to triumph in high-stakes knockout matches remains a cornerstone of their celebrated identity.
Orlando Pirates: The Buccaneers’ Rich Treasure Chest
Orlando Pirates, the “Buccaneers,” stand as one of South Africa’s oldest and most revered football institutions, their history interwoven with significant domestic and groundbreaking continental achievements. They have amassed nine top-flight league championships, including four PSL titles , one NSL title , and four NPSL crowns.
The Buccaneers also boast 10 Nedbank Cup victories and an impressive 13 MTN 8 trophies. While they have a single League Cup title from 2011 , their continental exploits truly set them apart. Pirates became trailblazers by capturing the CAF Champions League (then African Cup of Champions Clubs) in 1995, a monumental achievement shortly after South Africa’s readmission to international football, proving Mzansi clubs could conquer Africa.
This was swiftly followed by the CAF Super Cup in 1996. They have also been runners-up in the CAF Champions League (2013) and twice in the CAF Confederation Cup (2015, 2022), showcasing a consistent competitive edge on the continent.
Mamelodi Sundowns: The Brazilians’ Modern Era of Supremacy
Mamelodi Sundowns, “The Brazilians,” have redefined dominance in the modern PSL era. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has yielded an astounding record of 17 top-flight league titles overall. This includes an unprecedented 14 PSL championships since 1996, featuring a remarkable run of seven consecutive league crowns, establishing them as the undisputed kings of contemporary South African league football. Prior to the PSL, they also secured three NSL titles.
Sundowns’ trophy cabinet further includes six Nedbank Cups , four MTN 8 titles , and four League Cups. Their ambition extends well beyond domestic borders. They conquered the continent by winning the CAF Champions League in 2016, adding the CAF Super Cup in 2017, and clinching the inaugural African Football League in 2023. This sustained success on multiple fronts has cemented Sundowns as South Africa’s leading continental force in recent years, regularly competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Beyond the Giants: Other Contenders for Glory
While the “Big Three” cast long shadows, other clubs have also tasted significant success. SuperSport United carved out their own era of league dominance with three consecutive PSL titles (2008-2010) and have a notable collection of five Nedbank Cups, three MTN 8s, and one League Cup. The historic Moroka Swallows, though currently competing in a lower division, boast a 1965 league title, five Nedbank Cups, and three MTN 8 trophies, reminding fans of their rich heritage.
The Enduring Legacy and the Unending Quest
The relentless pursuit of trophies by these decorated clubs has not only filled their cabinets but has also fueled some of African football’s most intense rivalries, from the historic Soweto Derby between Chiefs and Pirates to the modern-day battles involving Sundowns. Each honour won adds another chapter to their storied legacies, providing unforgettable moments for their loyal supporters. The quest for more silverware is perpetual, a driving force that ensures the passion, drama, and glory of South African football will continue to captivate for generations to come. The landscape of dominance may evolve, but the gleam of trophies remains the ultimate prize.
Related article: 10 Biggest Clubs in Premier League: A Legacy of Trophies and Triumphs
