Who has won the most PSL titles in the South African Premier Division?

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 03 Nov 2022

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Brad Newcomb 03 Nov 2022

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A look at the history of the South African Premier Division
Who has won the most PSL titles?
Guide to the most successful teams in history

Mamelodi Sundowns are the most successful team (Getty Images)

Which club has won the most South African Premier Division titles?

The PSL provides some of the best football in Southern Africa and is known for its fierce rivalries between clubs.

Since its inception in 1996, the Premier Soccer League, a.k.a. the South African Premier Division, has been dominated by four clubs and boasts one of the biggest rivalries in world football; the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The PSL has been instrumental in raising the standard of football in South Africa, providing a foundation for local footballers to compete overseas.

Players such as Steven Pienaar, Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, and Percy Tau plied their trade locally before having spells in the English Premier League and other major European leagues.

Here is the list of the most successful clubs to be crowned national champions of the highest soccer division in South Africa.

1. Mamelodi Sundowns - 12 Titles

Mamelodi Sundowns have reigned supreme in the PSL, winning the title, a record, 12 times from 1997/98 to 1999/00, 2005/06 to 2006/07, 2013/14, and 2015/16.

Sundowns have been best in the land for the past five seasons, from 2017/18 to 2021/22. Coach Pitso Mosimane led Masandawana to five championships, a league record.

=2. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs - 4 Titles each

orlando pirates kaizer — Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs (Getty Images)

Orlando Pirates have won four PSL titles in 2000/01, 2002/03, 2010/11 and 2011/12 and have finished a record runner-up in the league on seven occasions.

Kaizer Chiefs are level with their arch-rivals on four league championships, lifting the trophy in 2003/04, 2004/05, 2012/13, and 2014/15. They have finished second in the PSL five times.

3. SuperSport United - 3 Titles

SuperSport United became a household name in South Africa after they reeled off three consecutive league titles from 2007/08 to 2009/10 under coach Gavin Hunt; he would later win the league with Bidvest Wits.

Additionally, they have finished runner-up in the league twice in the 2001/02 and 2002/03 seasons.

=4. Manning Rangers, Santos and Bidvest Wits - 1 Title each

Manning Rangers became the first team to win the PSL in the inaugural season of 1996/97 under coach Gordon Igesund, who would also lead Santos to the title in the 2001/02 season.

Bidvest Wits was the last team to claim the title outside the big four when they became champions in the 2016/17 season.

Manning Rangers and Bidvest Wits no longer exist due to financial woes or being sold off, whilst Santos have sunk to the lower leagues after being relegated numerous times.

Some notable absentees on the list currently playing in the PSL that have yet to win the league include:

Moroka Swallows
AmaZulu
Cape Town City

Most PSL Titles FAQs

Which side has won the most PSL titles?

Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the PSL lately, winning five titles in a row and 12 overall. Rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are second with four titles apiece.

Have any sides failed to win the PSL title?

Yes, many sides have yet to win the top-flight soccer league title in South Africa, including AmaZulu, Cape Town City and Moroka Swallows, to name a few.