Football in South Africa – History, Teams, Leagues & the Passion of a Nation
Football – or soccer – is the most played and most loved sport in South Africa. Deeply rooted in the country’s black communities, it represents pride, identity and national unity.
One of the greatest sporting moments in South African history remains the 1996 African Cup of Nations victory on home soil.
The quality of local football has grown enormously, and more South African players than ever are joining top international clubs. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) today is professional, well-funded and widely supported.
Table of Contents
- Bafana Bafana – The National Team
- Banyana Banyana – Women’s National Team
- South Africa’s Most Famous Clubs
- The Premier Soccer League
- Domestic Cup Competitions
- First Division / Motsepe Foundation Championship
Bafana Bafana – The National Team
Founded in 1992, two years before South Africa’s first democratic elections, Bafana Bafana played their first match on 9 July 1992 and beat Cameroon 1–0.
Their greatest triumph came in 1996, when South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Tunisia 2–0 in Johannesburg.
Banyana Banyana – Women’s National Team
Banyana Banyana is one of the strongest women’s teams on the continent.
Achievements:
- Multiple COSAFA Cup titles
- Runner-up at CAF Women’s Championships
- Participation in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 & 2023
- WAFCON champions 2022
Their main rival remains Nigeria.
South Africa’s Most Famous Clubs
Kaizer Chiefs
Founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung, the Chiefs are the most supported club in South Africa.
Highlights:
- Several PSL titles
- Cup successes
- Massive national fanbase
Orlando Pirates
Founded in 1937, the Pirates are one of the most successful clubs in Africa.
Key achievements:
- Multiple PSL championships
- Only South African team to win the CAF Champions League (1995)
- Famous Soweto Derby vs. Kaizer Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns
The most dominant PSL team in the last 20 years.
Owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe, the Sundowns have:
- A record number of PSL titles
- Won the CAF Champions League 2016
- A world-class academy
SuperSport United
Since 1994, SuperSport United has grown steadily and claimed several PSL titles.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL)
Founded in 1996/97, the PSL consists of 16 teams and is among the most competitive leagues in Africa.
TV deals and sponsorships have significantly boosted growth and quality.
Domestic Cup Competitions
Nedbank Cup
South Africa’s version of the FA Cup – open to amateur and professional teams.
Carling Knockout Cup (formerly Telkom Knockout)
Rebranded in 2023/24. One of the richest cup competitions in Africa.
MTN 8
A prestigious early-season competition featuring the top 8 teams of the previous PSL season.
First Division / Motsepe Foundation Championship
The second tier of South African football, including promotion and relegation playoffs.
