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Kaizer Chiefs haven’t lifted a trophy in over eight years—a shocking drought for a club with 67 titles. The top 10 teams with most trophies in South Africa tell a story of glory, rivalry, and resilience. From Soweto giants to rising stars, these clubs have shaped the nation’s football legacy. This article ranks the top 10, diving into their histories, recent successes, and what drives their silverware hauls. Expect actionable insights for clubs, fans, and businesses looking to thrive in South African football’s competitive arena.
A Legacy of Silverware
South Africa’s football scene pulses with passion. The DStv Premiership, formerly the Premier Soccer League (PSL), is the battleground where clubs chase glory. Trophies—league titles, Nedbank Cups, MTN8s, and more—define a club’s stature. Some dominate. Others scrape by with a single title. The top 10 teams with most trophies in South Africa reflect decades of competition, from the 1960s to the 2024/25 season. Recent years show a shift. Mamelodi Sundowns rule the league, while Orlando Pirates hoard knockout cups. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ faithful wait in agony.
Top 10 Teams with Most Trophies in South Africa
Which South African football club reigns supreme in the trophy race? The top 10 teams with most trophies in South Africa showcase decades of dominance and drama. The table below captures their silverware hauls, from league titles to knockout cups, setting the stage for a deeper look at their legacies.
| Team Name | League Titles | Other Trophies | Total Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaizer Chiefs | 13 | 54 | 67 |
| Orlando Pirates | 9 | 30 | 39 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 16 | 18 | 34 |
| SuperSport United | 3 | 10 | 13 |
| Moroka Swallows | 1 | 9 | 10 |
| Cape Town Spurs | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| AmaZulu | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Cape Town City | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Lamontville Golden Arrows | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Stellenbosch FC | 0 | 1 | 1 |
These trophy counts only tell part of the story. Behind the numbers lie epic rivalries, bold strategies, and passionate fanbases. The following sections dive into each team’s journey, revealing what drives their success and what challenges await in South Africa’s fiercely competitive football landscape.
1. Kaizer Chiefs (67 Trophies)
Kaizer Chiefs stand unmatched. With 13 league titles and 54 other trophies, they’re South Africa’s most decorated club. Their haul includes 15 MTN8 titles, 13 Nedbank Cups, and 13 Telkom Knockouts. The 1970s and 1980s were golden, with Chiefs dominating domestic competitions. Yet, their last trophy came in 2015—a Telkom Knockout. Eight years without silverware is a record drought for the Amakhosi. Fans pack FNB Stadium, but the trophy cabinet gathers dust. Recent seasons show promise under new coaches, but consistency eludes them.
2. Orlando Pirates (39 Trophies)
Orlando Pirates, the Soweto rivals, boast 39 trophies. Nine league titles and 30 knockout cups paint a storied history. The 1970s saw 13 titles, while the 1995 CAF Champions League remains a continental pinnacle. Pirates shone in 2010–2012, clinching six trophies, including back-to-back trebles. In 2022/23, they won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, and added another MTN8 in 2023. Their knockout prowess keeps them ahead of Sundowns in total trophies, despite fewer league wins. Pirates’ fanbase rivals Chiefs’, fueling a fierce rivalry.
3. Mamelodi Sundowns (34 Trophies)
Mamelodi Sundowns hold 16 league titles—more than any club. With 18 knockout trophies, their total reaches 34. The 2022/23 season saw another league crown, their sixth straight. They also claimed the 2023 African Football League, a continental milestone. Sundowns’ financial muscle and youth academy drive their dominance. Yet, knockout cups often slip away, with only one title in 2022/23. Their 2016 CAF Champions League win remains a high point. Sundowns are South Africa’s modern powerhouse, but a second continental star beckons.
4. SuperSport United (13 Trophies)
SuperSport United, with three league titles and 10 knockout trophies, sit fourth. Their 2008–2010 league three-peat under Gavin Hunt was a peak. The 2019 MTN8 was their last success. Once a trophy magnet, SuperSport shifted to youth development, selling stars like Teboho Mokoena. This strategy limits silverware but builds long-term potential. Their third-place finish in 2022/23 hints at a revival. SuperSport’s disciplined setup offers lessons for smaller clubs aiming for sustainability.
5. Moroka Swallows (10 Trophies)
Moroka Swallows, with one league title (1965) and nine knockout trophies, rank fifth. Five Nedbank Cups and three MTN8 titles highlight their past. The 2012 MTN8 was their last win. Recent years brought financial struggles and relegation battles, dimming their legacy. Swallows’ story warns of complacency—historic success doesn’t guarantee future glory. A stable management structure could revive their fortunes.
6. Cape Town Spurs (6 Trophies)
Cape Town Spurs, formerly Ajax Cape Town, have six trophies. Their 1995 league title and Nedbank Cup double was a high. The 2015 MTN8 was their last triumph. Mergers and identity shifts cloud their history, but their trophy case holds firm. Spurs’ youth pipeline, linked to Ajax Amsterdam, produces talent but struggles to convert it into silverware. Their case shows the challenge of balancing development and competitiveness.
7. AmaZulu (2 Trophies)
AmaZulu’s two trophies—a 1972 league title and 1992 Coca-Cola Cup—seem modest for their fanbase. Six Nedbank Cup final losses, including one to third-tier Dondol Stars in 2023, sting. At 50 years since their league win, AmaZulu’s trophy drought frustrates supporters. Strategic signings and coaching stability could unlock their potential, but the clock ticks.
8. Cape Town City (2 Trophies)
Cape Town City, founded in 2016, have two trophies: the 2016/17 Telkom Knockout and 2018 MTN8. Four final appearances in seven years mark them as contenders. Their rapid rise shows smart management and recruitment. City’s model—blending local talent with experienced players—offers a blueprint for new clubs. Their next trophy feels close.
9. Lamontville Golden Arrows (1 Trophy)
Golden Arrows’ lone trophy, the 2009 MTN8, came with a 6-0 rout of Ajax Cape Town. Coached by Manqoba Mngqithi, that win remains their only final appearance. Arrows survive in the Premiership but rarely challenge for silverware. Their focus on consistency over ambition limits their trophy haul. A bolder approach could change their trajectory.
10. Stellenbosch FC (1 Trophy)
Stellenbosch FC, the newest name on this list, won the 2023 Carling Knockout. Their rise since joining the Premiership in 2019 is remarkable. A strong youth system and data-driven recruitment fuel their success. Stellenbosch’s 2024/25 season shows promise, with a CAF Confederation Cup semi-final run. They’re a club to watch.
Trends in Trophy Success
The top 10 teams with most trophies in South Africa reveal patterns. Kaizer Chiefs’ historical dominance fades as Mamelodi Sundowns surge. Orlando Pirates’ knockout knack keeps them relevant. Smaller clubs like Stellenbosch and Cape Town City punch above their weight. Recent seasons favor financially stable clubs with strong academies. Sundowns’ six-year league streak is unmatched, but their knockout struggles highlight the challenge of all-around success. Chiefs’ drought, now at nine years in 2025, raises questions about management and recruitment.
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The Road Ahead
South African football evolves fast. Mamelodi Sundowns chase continental glory, while Orlando Pirates aim to close the gap. Kaizer Chiefs must end their drought to reclaim their throne. Emerging clubs like Stellenbosch signal a new era. The top 10 teams with most trophies in South Africa aren’t just history—they’re a guide to the future. Clubs that adapt, invest, and inspire will lift the next trophies. Fans and businesses, too, shape this journey. Stay engaged. The next chapter promises drama!
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