Overview
South Africa is a member of the Confederation of African Football and plays in the Southern African (COSAFA) zone. The men's national team, known as the Bafana Bafana, has played 488 recorded internationals since 1906, winning 219 of them (44.9%).
South Africa have won the Africa Cup of Nations once (1996) and also reached the final in 1998.
They have played at the FIFA World Cup 4 times (1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026).
On current form our Elo rating places South Africa 10th in Africa and 64th in the world.
With about 64.7 million people and its capital in Pretoria, South Africa has produced 1,144 notable footballers footballers in our database.
Famous South African footballers
Steven PienaarSouth Africa · b. 1982
Benni McCarthySouth Africa · b. 1977
Siphiwe TshabalalaSouth Africa · b. 1984
Aaron MokoenaSouth Africa · b. 1980
Itumeleng KhuneSouth Africa · b. 1987
Bernard ParkerSouth Africa · b. 1986
Bongani KhumaloSouth Africa · b. 1987
A
Anele NgcongcaSouth Africa · b. 1987
Jayden AdamsSouth Africa · b. 2001
Lucas RadebeSouth Africa · b. 1969
Kagisho DikgacoiSouth Africa · b. 1984
K
Katlego MphelaSouth Africa · b. 1984
Most capped
Top scorers (match database)
- Shaun Bartlett
- Benni McCarthy
- Siyabonga Nomvethe
- Phil Masinga
- Bernard Parker
- Teboho Mokoena
- Oswin Appollis
- Mark Williams
Where South African players play
19 active South African players are currently at clubs outside South Africa. The most common destinations:
South African players abroad → · Latest South African transfers →
Clubs and leagues in South Africa
Main competitions: Premier Soccer League, National First Division, SAFA Women's League.
- Orlando Pirates F.C.founded 1937
- Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.founded 1970
- Kaizer Chiefs F.C.founded 1970
- SuperSport United F.C.founded 1985
- Bidvest Wits F.C.founded 1921
- Cape Town Spurs F.C.founded 1999
- AmaZulu F.C.founded 1932
- Jomo Cosmos F.C.founded 1983
- Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.founded 1969
- Moroka Swallows F.C.founded 1947
Where South African footballers are born
10 South Africa internationals were born abroad, most often in United Kingdom (2), Eswatini (1), Greece (1). See the diaspora →
Stadiums
- FNB StadiumJohannesburg
- Moses Mabhida StadiumDurban
- Ellis Park Stadium
- Cape Town StadiumCity of Cape Town
- Loftus Versfeld StadiumPretoria
- Free State StadiumBloemfontein
Strength over time
Year-end Elo rating of South Africa. Elo history →
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname of the South Africa national team?
South Africa are nicknamed the Bafana Bafana.
How many times have South Africa won AFCON?
South Africa have won the Africa Cup of Nations 1 time (1996).
Have South Africa played at the World Cup?
Yes, South Africa have played at 4 World Cups (1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026).
Who is the top scorer for South Africa?
In our match database, Shaun Bartlett leads with 15 goals. Goal data is most complete for tournament matches.
Who is the most famous South African footballer?
By international recognition, Steven Pienaar is the best-known South African footballer in our database, followed by Benni McCarthy and Siphiwe Tshabalala.
What is the biggest stadium in South Africa?
FNB Stadium is the largest football stadium in South Africa in our records, with a capacity of 94,736.