The Betway Premiership is South Africa’s topflight division bringing together the country’s top 16 teams as they battle to become champions of the land. The most successful teams in the PSL have won league titles, domestic cups and maintaining consistency at the top, leaving a lasting legacy on South African football.
Over the years, some clubs have come and gone, but there are those that have remained a part and parcel of the league, shaping not only the league, but the story of South African football.
From Mamelodi Sundowns to Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United, these are some of the teams that have enjoyed significant periods of success, setting and breaking records and building passionate fans along the way.
This blog looks at the most successful teams in the Betway Premiership, focusing on the trophies they’ve won and their overall legacy in South African football.
What Makes a Team Successful in the PSL?
Football fans always argue about what makes a team successful. Is it trophies? Is it the team with most fans? Is it a team that develops players the most? Or just a combination of all these factors?
Success in the PSL goes beyond winning the league title. League championships are the clearest measure of success, but domestic cups like the MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup also add to a club’s legacy.
Consistency matters too. A league title or an occasional domestic cup is not good enough to make a team one of the most successful. Successful teams are often involved in title races across multiple seasons rather than having one strong campaign.
Youth development is another important measure, as clubs that produce and develop talented players can strengthen their squads while contributing to the future of South African football.
Strong fan support also contributes to the success of a team as it helps create the atmosphere that makes the PSL the popular league that it is.
Mamelodi Sundowns – A Modern Era of Dominance
Mamelodi Sundowns are affectionately known as the Brazilians or ‘Bafana ba Style’ was formed in the early 60s. Their dominance in the league has seen them win eight successive league titles in the last ten years, taking their total league titles to 15, making them the most successful team in the PSL. They were also the first club to be crowned Betway Premiership champions.
Their dominance has also been translated into CAF competitions. They won their first CAF Champions League title in 2016 under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane, followed that by winning the inaugural African Football League championship in 2023 and their second CAF Champions League trophy in 2026. They are currently the first ranked team in Africa, showing that their dominance goes beyond South African boarders.
Sundowns has not been afraid to invest heavily in player development. From Percy Tau to Sphelele Mkhulise, Keletso Makgalwa and the late Motjeka Madisha, these are some of the players that were produced by the club’s youth structures and have gone on to make a name for themselves.
The club continues to have a big influence on South African football with most of their players having established themselves as national team players.
Ka Bo Yellow Masandawana!
Kaizer Chiefs – One of South Africa’s Most Decorated Clubs
Amakhosi were founded in 1970 by former Orlando Pirates player Dr Kaizer Motaung. They are regarded as one of the most successful PSL clubs.
Their success over the years has seen them become the most decorated club in the country with 14 Nedbank Cup titles, 15 MTN 8 trophies and 13 titles in the Carling Knockout.
Despite inconsistent performances over the last few years, Kazier Chiefs continue to be an influential team in South African football. They are more than a football club. With the nickname the ‘Glamour Boys’, Chiefs introduced a culture where football became closely linked with fashion, music, lifestyle and social identity.
The club has contributed immensely to the development of players with the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe and Itumeleng Khune being some of the players who are products of the club’s development structures.
One of the club’s defining features is its massive fan base, with millions of supporters across the country and beyond its borders. The club’s popularity stems from its rich history, success over the years and strong connection with local communities. For fans who support this club, it is not just about football, it’s a source of identity, pride and belonging, that’s why they say “iKhosi alipheli umoya”.
Orlando Pirates – A Legacy of Success
Amabhabhaka as they are commonly known are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the PSL, having been founded in 1937.
The club has built its rich legacy through domestic success, continental victory (first southern African team to win the CAF Champions League in 1995) and its massive contribution to South African football.
The club has won five league titles in the PSL era, making them the second most successful team in the country behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Their domestic trophies keep on increasing as they have won more than one trophy in each of the last three seasons.
They have won the MTN8 4 times in a row in the last 5 years and continue to fight for every trophy in South African football.
The Sea Robbers also have a big footprint on the African continent, having won their first Champions League trophy in 1995 and have played in three finals since that historic win (1 in the champions league and 2 in the confederation cup).
The club has also played an important role in the growth of South African football by producing and nurturing many players who went on to represent South Africa and achieved success both locally and internationally.
Orlando Pirates remain a big football institution that means a lot to its supporters who always turn up in numbers at the stadium to support the club. They are known as one of the most supported clubs in the country.
Bopha Bhakaniya!
Supersport United and Sustained Excellence
Although the club no longer exists having been sold to Siwelele FC, Supersport is recognised as one of the most successful football clubs in South Africa.
Their most successful spell came between 2007 and 2010 when they won three successive league titles under the tutelage of Gavin Hunt. Their success went beyond league as they also won ten domestic titles.
The club were known for their ability to develop top players such Bongani Khumalo, Kermit Erasmus, Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba and many others who became household names in South African football.
‘Matsatsantsa a Pitori’ as they were known, were a consistent feature in the PSL era and always in the conversation for league and domestic honours. Though the club no longer exists, their influence in South African football has a lasting legacy and won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Other Clubs That Left a Lasting Mark
Moroka Swallows: Founded in 1947, they were one of the oldest clubs in the country. They won the league title in 1965 and won a few domestic trophies along the way. Their legacy remains deeply rooted in South African football culture.
Bidvest Wits: Founded in 1921, Bidvest Wits earned a reputation for combining academic excellence with football success. The club won the league title in 2016/2017 and several domestic trophies. Although its professional status ended in 2020, after 99 years of existence, the club’s influence on South African football remains significant.
Cape Town City: Cape Town City were founded in 2016 and they quickly established themselves as a force in South African football. The club won the Telkom Knockout in their debut season and followed that up with the MTN 8 the following season. The club continues to invest heavily in youth development in the Western Cape and are currently playing in the first division of South African football.
Jomo Cosmos: Founded in 1983 by South African football legend Jomo Sono, the club developed a reputation of being a football talent factory, having produced produced the likes of Helman Mkhalele, Macbeth Sibaya, Dikgang Mabalane, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and many others. The club also won a few domestic trophies (Coca-Cola Cup twice and SAA Supa 8).
AmaZulu: Usuthu is among South Africa’s oldest clubs as they were founded in 1932. The club remains an important symbol or regional pride for the people of KwaZulu Natal. Its rich cultural identity and resilience have ensured a lasting place in South African football history.
Bloemfontein Celtic: Phunya Sele Sele were founded in 1969 and became one of the most beloved clubs in the Free State province. The team won three trophies during its history. Their fans were known as the most vibrant in the country, creating a legacy that still lives in South African football.
