Who are the most successful South African Premier League teams?

The South African Premier League has proved to be an incredibly exciting and enjoyable way to watch the best teams in South Africa play football. But who has been the most successful of all? Is there one side that has been the out and out best, or are there multiple teams that have shared the spoils? Bets.co.za has taken a look at which of the sides are the most successful in the Premier League.

3. SuperSport United – 3 Titles

The third most successful team in the history of the South African Premier League, SuperSport United have managed to snare a total of three titles throughout their time in the league. However, the last time they won came back in the 2009/10 season, with this the last of three straight title triumphs after 2007/08 and 2008/09. Clearly, when they get going, SuperSport are a major force but they have been out of luck in recent years. The large gap between themselves and the top sides was emphasised last year as they finished 22 points short of eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns. With a number of sides above them in the title winning charts, SuperSport United can move up the rankings and into joint-second if they win the title this season, but few really believe that SuperSport will get anywhere near the top this coming season, with a near miracle having to happen for them to be crowned champions.

2. Orlando Pirates & Kaizer Chiefs – 4 Titles

Perhaps the best-known sides in the South African Premier League,  Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have been able to prove that they do not just have novel names. Indeed, both teams have been able to showcase their ability on eight occasions between them, with four titles apiece. Kaizer Chiefs have been the more successful of late, with titles in 2012/13 and 2014/15 the most recent triumphs for either side. For e Orlando Pirates, their last title came way back in the 2011/12 season, and they have found it difficult to get near to Mamelodi Sundowns of late. If either side is to close the gap between themselves and the top of the title-winning charts, things need to change quickly. Seven titles between Chiefs and Pirates and the top is not insurmountable, although it is an intimidating gap that is threatening to only get bigger.

1. Mamelodi Sundowns – 11 Titles

The dominant force in the South African Premier League and it is not even close. Gauteng-based Mamelodi Sundowns have claimed the coveted title 11 times, seven more than their nearest rivals. An unprecedented four titles in a row of late has seen them win the 2017/19, 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, with no side getting anywhere near stopping them from dominating the league. Prior to this incredible run, Mamelodi Sundowns had blown hot and cold, with hot spells seeing them win all three titles on offer between 1997-2000, along with the double between 2005-2007, and also snaring the titles in 2013/14 and 2015/16. Clearly, when Mamelodi Sundowns are able to win a title, more tend to follow, with the side so successful in their time in the South African Premier League. The question has quickly become – can any side stop Mamelodi Sundowns from continuing to dominate, and will a side overtake them in the trophy-winning standings? Right now, the side is only seven ahead of the rest, but if they keep going in this same style, this gap will only get bigger.