Orlando Pirates overtake Kaizer Chiefs as South Africa’s most followed club

Orlando Pirates have become the most followed South African football club across the major social media platforms, moving ahead of long-standing rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Buccaneers have a combined 10.5 million followers: 5.3 million on Facebook, 2.1 million on X, formerly known as Twitter, 1.9 million on TikTok and 1.2 million on Instagram.

Kaizer Chiefs are second with 9.9 million followers. They remain the most followed club on Facebook, with 5.6 million, and also lead Pirates and Sundowns on X with 3.1 million.

The club has a further 1.2 million followers on Instagram but does not have a TikTok account.

Mamelodi Sundowns occupy third place with eight million followers. Their total includes 3.6 million on Facebook, 1.2 million on X, 1.9 million on TikTok and 1.3 million on Instagram.

Pirates’ rise has coincided with a strong period on the pitch. They are the reigning league champions, while their marketing team has also been credited with producing some of the most effective graphics among the clubs’ social media output.

The Johannesburg club’s overall total gives it a lead of 600,000 followers over Chiefs, despite the Amakhosi’s advantage on Facebook and X.

Sundowns close the gap

Sundowns have been gaining ground rapidly, with their increased profile linked largely to progress in continental and international competitions.

Chiefs are widely regarded as the most supported club in South Africa, but their difficulties during the past 12 years appear to have been reflected in slower social media growth.

They lead only on Facebook and X among the three clubs, while Sundowns have more followers on Instagram. Chiefs’ absence from TikTok has further limited their overall total.

Sundowns’ growing international reputation has helped push their following beyond eight million. In many parts of North America, football supporters refer to the club when discussing South African football because of its dominance both domestically and across the continent.

The Brazilians are the holders of the CAF Champions League and have continued to make progress on the international stage.

They reached the Challenger Cup, the penultimate round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, after winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup a few weeks ago.

That run has added to Sundowns’ visibility beyond South Africa and has helped narrow the social media gap with both Pirates and Chiefs.