In the dynamic world of local football, success isn’t just defined by skill or passion—it’s measured by the weight of trophies in the cabinet. In the country, winning silverware cements a club’s reputation, earns bragging rights, and for many fans, is the ultimate reward for their unwavering loyalty. While countless clubs have battled for honours over the years, only a select few have built lasting legacies, consistently bringing glory home.
This article looks at the teams in our country with the most trophies, from the famed “Big Three” to other historic contenders.
The Big Three: A Dominant Force in Local Football
Three clubs stand out as the standard-bearers of excellence in South African football: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Their dominance spans generations and competitions, with consistent success turning them into icons of the beautiful game. Through talent development, strategic signings, and an ever-present hunger for glory, these clubs have built dynasties that continue to shape the local football landscape.
Kaizer Chiefs: A Reputation Built on Cup Glory
Known affectionately as the Amakhosi, Kaizer Chiefs have long been considered the kings of cup football. Their impressive tally of 12 top-tier league titles spans various eras—five from the old National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), three from the National Soccer League (NSL), and four since the inception of the PSL in 1996.
However, Chiefs’ true legacy lies in knockout competitions. They hold a record 13 Nedbank Cup titles, including early versions such as the Mainstay Cup and Bob Save Super Bowl. The Amakhosi also lead the pack with 15 MTN 8 wins and 13 League Cup triumphs across its various iterations. Internationally, they lifted the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 2001, solidifying their continental credentials. Despite fewer league titles in recent years, their ability to deliver in crunch cup ties keeps them among the country’s elite.
Orlando Pirates: Trailblazers on African Soil
Orlando Pirates, often called the Buccaneers, are one of the oldest and most respected clubs in our football history. With nine league titles to their name—including four PSL, four NPSL, and one NSL title—they’ve been a consistent force domestically.
Pirates have claimed 10 Nedbank Cups, 13 MTN 8 titles, and one League Cup. But it’s their impact on the continental stage that sets them apart. In 1995, they became the first local team to win the CAF Champions League, followed by the CAF Super Cup in 1996. The Buccaneers were also runners-up in the Champions League (2013) and Confederation Cup (2015, 2022), proving their status as a powerful African competitor.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Masters of the Modern Era
Mamelodi Sundowns have become synonymous with league dominance in the PSL era. Nicknamed “The Brazilians” for their style and kit, they’ve won a staggering 17 league titles—14 of them since 1996—along with three from the NSL era. Their current run of seven consecutive PSL crowns has set a new benchmark for success in the country.
Their achievements include six Nedbank Cups, four MTN 8 trophies, and four League Cup victories. On the continental front, they were crowned CAF Champions League winners in 2016, followed by a CAF Super Cup triumph in 2017. Most recently, they added the inaugural African Football League trophy in 2023, further showcasing their ambition to dominate beyond local borders.
Honouring Other Giants of the Game
While the Big Three often take centre stage, clubs like SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows have also left their mark. SuperSport clinched three consecutive league titles from 2008 to 2010 and boast five Nedbank Cups, three MTN 8s, and a League Cup. Moroka Swallows, despite currently playing in a lower division, have five Nedbank Cups, three MTN 8 trophies, and a league title from 1965—proof of their historic significance.
Trophies Tell the Story
Each trophy won is more than just a celebration—it’s a piece of football history, a symbol of perseverance, and a badge of honour for the club and its supporters. Whether it’s the passion of Soweto derbies or Sundowns’ modern supremacy, the race for silverware drives rivalries, fuels ambition, and keeps the soul of the game alive in the country. As the landscape of football evolves, one truth remains: the glory lies in the trophies.
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