Soccer (also called football in other countries) is the most popular sport globally. The same holds true for South Africa, as over 3 million people play soccer there. South Africa is a cultural hotpot, but soccer is a sport that ties them all together in unity. If you’re visiting the country, then it’s a good idea to know more about soccer’s legacy here.
How Soccer Started in RSA
British colonials introduced soccer in the 19th century, but South Africans were quick to make the sport their own. The South African Football Association (SAFA) was established in 1982 to make soccer an officially recognised sport.
However, it was around before that, with five clubs forming the Natal Football Association in 1882. Soccer was also closely associated with rugby, the second-most-popular sport in South Africa. Rugby grounds were often used to play soccer, a tradition that continues today.
However, the sport really took off in 1996, when RSA won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after failing to qualify for the previous cup. In 1997, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) was established, becoming the biggest league in South Africa.
The Orlando Pirates are the oldest team, while the most famous team is the Kaizer Chiefs. Now, the Bafana Bafana is the men’s soccer team, while the Bayana Bayana is the women’s soccer team. The SAFA manages both.
Now, millions of South Africans watch and play the sport. Some even participate in
sportsbetting
, wagering on their favourite teams and watching live streams of matches as they place their stake. These include popular events like the Soccer World Cup (FIFA) matches.
Famous Stadiums in Gauteng
If you’re interested in matches for this sport in Gauteng, then it’s important to know the different stadiums you can visit.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
The Loftus Stadium might be the home of the rugby team, Blue Bulls, but it’s also a well-known stadium to host some of the 2010 FIFA matches. It’s an excellent example of rugby grounds used for soccer matches and can seat almost 43,000 people.
It opened in 1906 and saw an impressive 42,658 people watch the 2010 match between South Africa and Uruguay. Overall, this stadium is about the only world-class level one in Pretoria, though you’ll find a few more a short ride away in Johannesburg.
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Ellis Park, built in 1926, is another stadium originally used for rugby. However, it’s now the home turf of not only the Golden Lions Rugby Union but also two soccer teams. The PSL teams Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows also call this stadium home.
Multiple soccer/football sides were held in this stadium, such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Brazil. After upgrades were completed for the 2010 FIFA Cup, this stadium can now seat up to 60,000 people.
Soccer City (FNB Stadium), Johannesburg
This is the national football stadium, built in 1987. The SAFA makes its home here, and it has hosted multiple events, such as the 1996 AFCON and the 2010 FIFA Cup. During the 2010 edition, both the kickoff and final games of the FIFA Cup were played at this stadium.
The association made several preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, one of which was increasing the seating from a maximum of 80,000 to 94,700. As this is the primary venue for the Bafana Bafana team, many of their matches are held here.
Popular Pretoria Teams
While there are over 25 soccer teams in South Africa, three are based in Pretoria. We briefly review these three teams below.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The Mamelodi Sundowns are the current number one club in RSA, leading with 1,632 points. This is slightly less than its progress last year at this time, which was at 1,689. The team was established in the early 1960s and participated in the Federation of Professional Soccer League in 1967. It also currently ranks second in Africa and 100th on a global scale. The club reached a high after Zola Mahobe bought it in 1985 and again in 2003/04, when Dr. Patrice Motsepe bought it.
SuperSport United FC
SuperSport United is 6th in RSA’s rankings but 57th in Africa’s and 710th in the global rankings. It currently has 1,396 points, which is 129 down from this time last year. The team was purchased by M-Net in 1994, becoming the SuperSport United we know today. This club has also won three consecutive league titles and has finished in the Top 8 Teams 20 successive times.
University of Pretoria FC
The University of Pretoria PSL team ranks 23rd in RSA’s rankings. It has a total of 1,288 points, 24 up from its position last year. It holds a global ranking of 1,638th and is 266th in African rankings. It’s one of the more recent soccer clubs, having been established in 2002. It has a market value of around €1 million.
How to Watch Soccer Matches
It’s not always possible to watch games in person, so it’s important to know which channels broadcast them. Two primary channels in RSA
hold the rights to broadcast
PSL games.
SABC
SABC was established in 1936 and has become one of the premier sports broadcasting stations. However, it also boasts a variety of other channels and radio stations, making it relevant to almost every household in South Africa.
SuperSport
SuperSport is one of, if not the most, sports broadcasting brand in the country. It has long held exclusive rights to the broadcasting of PSL games but recently made a sublicensing agreement with SABC. It also holds licensing rights to the MTN8, Betway Premiership, cup competitions, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout.
The Social Culture Around Soccer
If you know one thing about South Africans, it’s that we love to use any excuse to braai (South African version of a barbeque) and “kuier” (meant as holding a party or having a get-together). Sports, as an almost universal interest among South Africans, is an excellent excuse to hang out.
Sports Bars
Many sports bars broadcast big games, with people packing into the bars and pubs to experience the games with other fans. In Pretoria, there are
dozens of sports bars
, which you can explore to find the ones best for you. Options you’ll find are Hogshead, Lucky Rodrigo, Rock @ 88, and the Springbok Bar.
Gatherings
You’ll also often hear of a braai being held when an important game is being played. Friends and family will get together to watch the game while enjoying good food, drinks, and each others’ company.
Explore the Most Popular Sport in South Africa
Soccer is South Africa’s most popular sport, as 79% of the population is interested in it. Participating in soccer events, matches, and get-togethers allows you to better experience the sports culture in Pretoria and the country in general.
