SA’s 5 biggest clubs of all time

5) Moroka Swallows

Founded in 1947, Swallows are considered as one of the original two Soweto clubs, together with Orlando Pirates. The club was founded in the 1940s by a trio of soccer lovers, Ishmael Lesolang, Strike Makgatha and Johnny Kubheka.

They originally named the side Congregated Rovers after the firm in which most of the players and officials worked, later changing it to Moroka Rovers. But then, on 10 October 1947, the trio decided to change the name again toMoroka Swallows, basing themselves in the township formally known as Masakeng.

The name has lasted for the best part of 55 years, a period which has seen consistent success both on the field and off it. Moroka Swallows won the league title back in 1965.

4) Bloemfentein Celtic

Bloemfentein has a huge support base in the Free State. Nicknamed Siwelele the club has one of the most passionate fans in the country.

The club was founded by the late Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya in 1969 as Mangaung United. Mahatanya and Mathobisa administered the club until the early 1980s when financial challenges forced them to sell the club to Petrus “Whitehead” Molemela. In 1984, Molemela took over the club and changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic.

3) Mamelodi Sundowns

High flying Mamelodi Sundowns sit in third position on South Africa’s biggest clubs.

Boasting of a huge financial muscle owing to Patrice Motsepe’s backing, the Brazilians have been one of the most successful clubs in South Africa.

Amasandawana have gained support over the years. Since the inception of the PSL in 1996 Sundowns have won the league title a record six times.

2) Kaizer Chiefs

Amakhosi is one of the most decorated teams in the ABSA premiership.

The club is arguably the most successful football club in the country, and also the second most supported club in South Africa and the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia etc only behind their soweto rivals Orlando Pirates. It has been estimated that the club has over 16 million supporters.

Founded in 1970  Kaizer Chiefs have won  league titles.

1)Orlando Pirates

At the summit of our top 5 list of South Africa’s biggest clubs is Orlando Pirates.

The club was founded in 1937 and was originally based in Orlando, Soweto. They are named ‘Pirates’ after the 1940 film The Sea Hawk.. Orlando Pirates are the first club since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996 to have won three major trophies in a single season back to back, having won the domestic league, the Nedbank Cup and the MTN 8 during the 2010–11 season and domestic league, Telkom Knockout and the MTN 8 during the 2011–12 season.

They are the only South African team to have won the CAF Champions League, which they did in 1995 and they were the runners up of 2013 CAF Champions League after they were defeated 3–1 on aggregate by Al Ahly of Egypt and recently runners up of 2015 CAF Confederation cup. Orlando Pirates remains the only team since the inception of the PSL in 1996 to have been always in the top eight bracket.