Orlando Pirates lead South African football clubs in social media followers, surpassing Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Image: GEMINI

Orlando Pirates are the most followed football club across major social media platforms, leading both rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates have 10.5 million followers in total: 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.

Orlando Pirates top South African football's social media rankings.

Image: Orlando Pirates X page

Chiefs are second on the list with 9.9 million followers. They have 5.6 million followers on Facebook, 3.1 million on X, and 1.2 million on Instagram, as they do not have a TikTok account.

Meanwhile, Sundowns are third on the list with 8 million followers. They have 3.6 million followers on Facebook, 1.2 million on X, 1.9 million on TikTok, and 1.3 million on Instagram.

The Buccaneers' dominance has been aided by both the team’s impressive run of form in domestic football – as they are the reigning league champions – and their marketing team, which has arguably produced the best graphics across their social media platforms.

Kaizer Chiefs dominate Facebook as South Africa’s most followed club on the platform.

Image: Kaizer Chiefs Facebook Page

Given that Amakhosi are regarded as the most supported club in the land, their struggles over the last 12 years seem to be mirrored by a noticeable decline in their social media growth. While they do not have a TikTok account, they dominate only on Facebook and X, as Sundowns lead them on Instagram.

The Brazilians are rapidly gaining traction on social media, catching up to both Pirates and Chiefs. Their upward trajectory has largely been influenced by their strides continentally and internationally.

International success powers Mamelodi Sundowns’ social media surge past 8 million followers.

Image: Mamelodi Sundowns' Instagram page

Football fans in most parts of North America always refer to Sundowns when discussing South African football, as the side has not only dominated their region, but also the continent as holders of the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns are maintaining a competitive form in international football as well, having reached the Challenger Cup – the penultimate round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup – after winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup a few weeks ago.