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Soccer in South Africa

Brad Morgan

Football - or soccer, as we call it - is the most widely played sport in South Africa, with its traditional support base in the black community. For many South Africans the country's proudest sporting moment came when we won the African Nations Cup on home turf in 1996.

Soccer is intensely followed, and the quality of the local game keeps improving - as demonstrated by the increasing number of South African players-in-exile among the glamorous European clubs.

Local teams, organised in a national league plus a plethora of knock-out cups, are followed with passion by paint-daubed, costumed, whistling and cheering fans. Mercifully, the country has been spared the spectre of football hooliganism.

There's probably no quicker way to "break the ice" with the South African man on the street than to demonstrate some knowledge of local soccer. To help you improve your conversational skills, here's a crash course on the country's most important teams and competitions.

• Bafana Bafana
• Banyana Banyana
• Glamour clubs
• Premier Soccer League
• Knockout competitions
• First Division

BAFANA BAFANA

One of the first gifts that democracy brought South Africa was its first truly representative national soccer team.

In 1992, the united South African team came into being, playing Cameroon in its first match in Durban on 9 July. It was a triumphant occasion for the side that came to be known as Bafana Bafana - "The Boys" - as they edged the West African powerhouse by a goal to nil.

However, the win concealed the negative effect that apartheid-enforced isolation had had on local soccer. This lack of international experience showed as South Africa lost four matches in a row - to Cameroon, Zambia, Nigeria and Zambia - in failing to qualify for the 1994 African Nations Cup.

African champions

When South Africa hosted the 1996 African Nations Cup, however, South Africa proved they belonged in the finals by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. It was during the team's run to the title that its nickname, "Bafana Bafana", became known around the world.

Nelson Mandela leads the celebrations as Neil Tovey lifts the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Shortly after being crowned African champions, Bafana Bafana took on world champions Brazil in Johannesburg. Buoyed by a fearless home crowd, the South Africans went two goals up before the Brazilians fought back to win the match 3-2.

Two World Cups

Bafana Bafana reached another milestone in 1997 when they qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. In France the following year, South Africa lost to the hosts - who went on to win the Jules Rimet Trophy - before drawing with Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

In the same year, Bafana Bafana appeared in their second African Nations Cup, making it through to the final where they lost 2-0 to Egypt.

In 1999, Bafana Bafana beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on aggregate to lift the Afro-Asian Trophy. The side also recorded its first win over European opposition, beating Sweden in Pretoria by a goal to nil.

In 2000, Bafana Bafana reached the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup, where they were beaten by Nigeria. The South Africans went on to finish third, defeating Tunisia on penalties after playing to a 2-2 draw.

It was at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, however, that Bafana Bafana showed their true potential. While they failed to progress beyond the first round, their five goals scored in one win, one draw and a thrilling 3-2 loss against Spain showed the world that South Africa belonged on football's biggest stage.

Big drop-off

South Africa lost to fired-up hosts Mali in the quarterfinals of the 2002 African Nations Cup.

In 2003, however, there was a big drop-off in Bafana Bafana's performances, and they failed to progress beyond the first round of the 2004 African Nations Cup after losing four-nil to Nigeria.

The slide continued in 2005, and South Africa's national team hit an all-time low when they were eliminated in the first round of the 2006 African Nations Cup after being beaten in all three group matches and failing to score a goal.

Big-name coach

Having secured the right to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the South African Football Association went after a big-name coach to ensure that the country's team, guaranteed a place in the event, does not disappoint its fans.

Carlos Alberto Parreira, Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning coach, who has also led three other countries to the finals, was tasked with getting the national team back on track.

He began his tenure with a 3-0 win over Chad in March 2007, but it has been an up-and-down road so far for the 64-year-old Brazilian.

He succeeded in achieving his first goal when South Africa qualified for the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana. Once more, Bafana Bafana bowed out after the first round of the continental championship. But there were some promising signs after their disastrous campaign in Egypt in 2006.

South Africa's group was the most tightly contested in the tournament, with four of the six matches ending in draws; thus it was that one loss for Bafana Bafana was enough to see them eliminated.

Shock resignation

After Bafana Bafana's best result under Parreira, a 3-0 defeat of Paraguay, the Brazilian stunningly resigned in April 2008, saying he wished to return home to support his wife, who had undergone surgery for cancer.

His replacement was another Brazilian, recommended by Parreira, Joel Santana.

A man with an excellent record in Brazilian club football, Santana lacks international experience, but the South African Football Association has tasked him with preparing Bafana Bafana to perform strongly at the 2010 World Cup.

BANYANA BANYANA

South Africa's senior women's team, Banyana Banyana - "The Girls" - have traditionally been the strongest team in southern Africa and one of the best in Africa.

There is, however, one hurdle that Banyana have yet to overcome: Nigeria. Had it not been for the West African powerhouse, South Africa's women would have laid claim to the number one ranking in Africa a number of times in recent years.

Banyana Banyana were crowned Cosafa (Confederation of Southern African Football Associations) champions in 2002 and 2006. In continental competition, the team finished runner-up to Nigeria at the CAF African Women's Championship in 2000, and second at the All Africa Games in 2003 and 2007.

GLAMOUR CLUBS

Kaizer Chiefs

South Africa's favourite soccer club never seems to play an away match. "The Amakhozi" often draw more supporters at away games than their opposition.

Founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung - who made his name in the United States when the American league was drawing such superstars as Pele, Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer - Kaizer Chiefs are one of South Africa's most successful teams.

Twice the winners of South Africa's Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, Chiefs secured their first African title in 2002 when they won the Cup Winners Cup - renamed after Nelson Mandela - by defeating Inter Luanda of Angola in the final.

Orlando Pirates

Formed in 1937, Orlando Pirates has a support base extending across the country's borders.

Two-time winners of SA's Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, "The Buccaneers" are the only South African team so far to have won Africa's premier club competition, the Champions League, a feat they achieved in 1995.

Like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates seldom are disadvantaged when they play away from home, with fanatical supporters spread throughout South Africa.

The fierce traditional rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs makes for one of the biggest derby matches in the world. In November 2007, on the day preceding the 2010 Fifa World Cup draw in Durban, the Chiefs-Pirates derby was broadcast throughout Africa and 43 European countries, a first for South African football.

Mamelodi Sundowns

While Chiefs and Pirates have long battled for the title of South Africa's most popular club, a third outfit has emerged as a challenger for the position: Mamelodi Sundowns.

Backed by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, a billionaire, "The Brazilians" have the finances to ensure a squad with depth and quality. The club is often compared to England's Chelsea, which rose to prominence partly through the backing of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Sundowns have been the most successful team since the formation of the Premier Soccer League in 1997, winning the title on five occasions.

PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE

South Africa's top soccer league, featuring the country's best 16 clubs, came into being in 1997.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has helped raise the standard of club football in South Africa, providing the sport with better media coverage and much-improved revenue through strong sponsorship deals. It has also provided a platform for local players to make their mark and catch the eye of overseas clubs.

Sponsorship boom

In June 2007, the PSL pulled off an astounding coup when it signed a R1.6-billion broadcast deal with SuperSport International.

In August 2007, corporate heavyweights South African Breweries (SAB) and Absa Bank announced a joint sponsorship of more than R500-million over the next five years for South African football. SAB is behind Bafana Bafana, while Absa sponsors the PSL's Premier Division.

And in February 2008, Nedbank announced that it would be putting up R20-million in prize money for the Nedbank Cup knockout competition as part of a five-year, R400-million sponsorship of the local game.

These deals combined have made South Africa's Premier Soccer League the seventh biggest earner of sponsorship revenue among football leagues worldwide.

Ups and downs

Manning Rangers, coached by Gordon Igesund, stunned all and sundry by winning the inaugural PSL title ahead of a number of more fancied opponents in 1997. Then, from 1998 to 2000, Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a hat-trick of titles.

In 2001, Igesund moved to Orlando Pirates and helped "The Buccaneers" secure the title. The following season he repeated the trick with Cape Town-based Santos.

Pirates won the league for the second time in 2003, followed by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in 2004 and 2005.

In 2006, Igesund was appointed manager of Sundowns and was quickly spinning his magic once more, winning a fifth title for "The Brazilians" and becoming the first coach to win the championship with four different clubs.

That didn't prevent Igesund from getting the sack in February 2008, however, following a poor run of results. When it comes to passionate fans, high stakes and heated debates, South Africa's Premier Soccer League is up there with the best of them!

In 2008, SuperSport's support of the game, through television broadcasting and the sponsorship of SuperSport United, was rewarded when the club captured the PSL title.

Premier Soccer League champions:

• 2007/08: SuperSport United
• 2006/07: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2005/06: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2004/05: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2003/04: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2002/03: Orlando Pirates
• 2001/02: Santos
• 2000/01: Orlando Pirates
• 1999/00: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1998/99: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1997/98: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1996/97: Manning Rangers

KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

A number of knockout competitions are played alongside the league fixtures in South African soccer.

Nedbank Cup

A knockout competition modelled on England's famous FA Cup, giving lower league teams the chance to do battle with premier league clubs, has been in existence since 1978, under various names: the Mainstay Cup (1978-1987), Bobsave Superbowl (1988-2002), Absa Cup (2003-07) and, beginning in 2008, the Nedbank Cup.

With a total prize purse of R19.3-million, including R6-million for the winners, R2.5-million for the runners-up and R1-million for the losing semi-finalists, the Nedbank Cup is the most lucrative domestic soccer competition in Africa.

Cup champions:

• 2007: Ajax Cape Town
• 2006: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2005: SuperSport United
• 2004: Moroka Swallows
• 2003: Santos
• 2002: not played
• 2001: Santos
• 2000: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1999: SuperSport United
• 1998: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1997: not played
• 1996: Orlando Pirates
• 1995: Cape Town Spurs
• 1994: Vaal Professionals
• 1993: Witbank Aces
• 1992: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1991: Moroka Swallows
• 1990: Jomo Cosmos
• 1989: Moroka Swallows
• 1988: Orlando Pirates
• 1987: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1986: Sundowns
• 1985: Bloemfontein Celtic
• 1984: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1983: Moroka Swallows
• 1982: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1981: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1980: Orlando Pirates
• 1979: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1978: Wits University

Supa 8

The Supa 8 competition is contested at the beginning of each Premier Soccer League season by the top eight finishers of the previous season.

Supa 8 champions:

• 2007: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 2006: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2005: Bloemfontein Celtic
• 2004: SuperSport United
• 2003: Jomo Cosmos
• 2002: Santos
• 2001: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2000: Orlando Pirates
• 1996: Orlando Pirates
• 1995: Wits University
• 1994: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1993: Orlando Pirates
• 1992: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1991: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1990: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1989: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1988: Mamelodi Sundowns
• 1987: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1986: Arcadia
• 1985: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1984: Wits University
• 1983: Orlando Pirates
• 1982: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1981: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1980: Witbank Black Aces
• 1979: Moroka Swallows
• 1978: Orlando Pirates
• 1977: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1976: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1975: Moroka Swallows
• 1974: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1973: Orlando Pirates
• 1972: Orlando Pirates

Telkom Knockout

The Telkom Knockout competition, which features all 16 Premier Soccer League teams on a knockout basis, is African football's second most lucrative domestic competition after the Nedbank Cup.

The competition was first held in 1992 and has existed under a number of different names, including the Coca-Cola Cup and the Rothmans Cup.

Telkom became the new sponsors in 2006, and in 2007 paid out R14.2-million in prize money, including R4.25-million to the winners.

Cup champions:

• 2007: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2006: Silver Stars
• 2005: Jomo Cosmos
• 2004: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2003: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2002: Jomo Cosmos
• 2001: Kaizer Chiefs
• 2000: Ajax Cape Town
• 1999: Sundowns
• 1998: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1997: Kaizer Chiefs
• 1996: Umtata Bucks
• 1995: Wits University
• 1994: Qwa Qwa Stars
• 1993: Umtata Bucks
• 1992: Amazulu

FIRST DIVISION

Below the Premier Soccer League, South African football's First Division is divided into two - the Inland Stream and the Coastal Stream - with each stream made up of eight clubs.

At the end of each season, the winners of the two streams meet in a final, with a place in the Premier Soccer League at stake (replacing the team that finished last in the PSL). The second-placed team, however, still has a shot at making it into the PSL.

That club takes on the two second-placed finishers from the First Division, as well as the team that finished second-last in the PSL, in a mini-tournament, with the winner earning a place in the top league.

Article last updated: June 2008