Most football clubs were formed at the heart of smaller communities. But wealthy individuals have always had a liking for owning sports clubs.
Thus, the wealthy buy these clubs because they represent a platform to give back to the community. That has always been the case with South African football clubs.
While the richest football club owners in South Africa have bought the clubs as part of social responsibility, they have also used the platforms to make money.
Furthermore, owning a football club is part of an asset and a venture that can enhance the owner’s status.
So, who are the richest club owners in South Africa?
1. Johann Rupert – $13.4 Billion
- Club(s) Owned: Stellenbosch FC
- Date of Birth: 1 June 1950
- Birthplace: Stellenbosch, Cape Province, Union of South Africa
- Profession: Businessman
Johann Rupert is Stellenbosch FC owner. Rupert became the owner of Stellenbosch FC in 2016 through Remgro Limited, where he is the chairman.
Stellenbosch FC plays in the Premier Soccer League at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. The pitch has a capacity of 10,000 spectators.
Johann Rupert’s net worth is $13.4 billion as of 2023. He has made his wealth through business ventures. Besides Stellenbosch FC, Johann Rupert also owns part of the Saracens English rugby team.
2. Patrice Motsepe – $2.4 Billion
- Club(s) Owned: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Date of Birth: 28 January 1962
- Birthplace: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Profession: Businessman
Patrice Motsepe is one of the billionaires in football. He owns Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which plays in the Premier Soccer League at the Loftus Versfeld and Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Patrice Motsepe’s net worth is $2.4 billion. He made money in the mining industry by founding African Rainbow Minerals, which has interests in gold, ferrous and base metals, and platinum.
In 2003, Patrice Motsepe became the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns. As of 2023, Patrice Motsepe is the President of the Confederation of African Football.
3. Kaizer Motaung – $60 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Date of Birth: 16 October 1944
- Birthplace: Soweto, South Africa
- Profession: Club Owner
Kaizer Motaung is the chairman and managing director of Kaizer Chiefs FC. Kaizer Chiefs plays in the Premier Soccer League at the FNB Stadium, one of the biggest stadiums in SA.
Kaizer Motaung has a net worth of $60 million. He created his wealth from salaries as a footballer and owning a football club.
Kaizer Motaung founded Kaizer Chiefs in 1970 after retiring from professional football. He has seen his team grow from humble beginnings to become the most successful football club in South Africa by trophy count.
4. Irvin Khoza – $35 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Orlando Pirates FC
- Date of Birth: 27 January 1948
- Birthplace: Alexandra, South Africa
- Profession: Businessman, Football Administrator
Irvin Khoza is the Chairman of Orlando Pirates FC. He is also the Vice President of the South African Football Association.
Irvin Khoza first became the secretary of Orlando Pirates FC in 1980. He eventually became the owner in 1991.
Irvin Khoza has an estimated net worth of $35 million. His wealth comes from his involvement in football and club ownership.
5. Jomo Sono – $20 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Jomo Cosmos
- Date of Birth: 17 July 1955
- Birthplace: Queenstown, South Africa
- Profession: Club Owner
Jomo Sono is one of the wealthiest club owners in South Africa. He is the founder and chairman of Jomo Cosmos FC.
Jomo Sono founded Jomo Cosmos in 1977. The team played in the Premier Soccer League until relegated in 2012.
Unfortunately, the team was again relegated from the National First Division during the 2021/2022 season after finishing 15th.
Jomo Sono has a net worth of $20 million. His wealth comes from club ownership and business interests.
He was also the caretaker coach of the South African men’s national team in 1998, 2002, and 2003.
6. Shauwn Mkhize – $20 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Royal AM Football Club, Royal Eagles FC
- Date of Birth: 6 April 1976
- Birthplace: Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Profession: Socialite, TV Personality, Businesswoman
Shauwn Mkhize is the founder of the Royal AM Football Club. The club plays in the Premier Soccer League at the Chatsworth Stadium, with a capacity of 22,000 spectators.
Shauwn Mkhize founded Royal AM Football Club in 2020. Her ownership has helped the team clinch the Macufe Cup in 2022.
Mkhize has a net worth of $20 million. She made money by starting a construction company called Zikhulise Group. Also, she owns maintenance, transport, and trading businesses.
7. Lawrence Mulaudzi – $16 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club
- Date of Birth: 1978
- Profession: Businessman
Lawrence Mulaudzi owns Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club. Initially, Mulaudzi purchased the National First Division status of Milano United FC in 2017.
As a result, the team played in the ABC Motsepe League. After that, Lawrence purchased The Premier League status of Bidvest Wits, allowing TTM FC to play in the PSL. Finally, TTM sold its PSL status to Marumo Gallants in 2021.
Lawrence Mulaudzi has a net worth of $16 million. He makes money through his companies and as a Total South Africa Pty Ltd and Ascendis Health Ltd board member.
8. Brian Joffe – $15 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Bidvest Wits Football Club
- Date of Birth: 2 June 1947
- Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Profession: Businessman
Brian Joffe owns Bidvest Wits Football Club. Although there was an agreement by Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila to purchase the team, the agreement failed, prompting Bidvest Wits FC to fold after 102 years.
Brian Joffe has a net worth of $15 million. He made money by founding the Bidvest Group in 1988. As of 2023, Brian Joffe is the Chief Executive of Bidvest Group Limited.
9. Sandile Zungu – $13 Millon
- Club(s) Owned: Amazulu Football Club
- Date of Birth: 10 February 1967
- Birthplace: Umlazi Township, Durban, South Africa
- Profession: Businessman
Sandile Zungu is the owner and chairman of Amazulu Football Club. Zungu purchased Amazulu FC in 2020 from Patrick Sokhela.
Amazulu Football Club plays in the Premier Soccer League at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The team has a history of 91 years.
Sandile Zungu has a net worth of $13 million. He made money by establishing the Zungu Investments Company in 2002. The company has a diversified portfolio in education, forensics, manufacturing, and sports.
10. Khulu Sibiya – $10 Million
- Club(s) Owned: SuperSport United
- Date of Birth: 16 March 1948
- Birthplace: Gauteng, South Africa
- Profession: Journalist
Khulu Sibiya has an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is the chairman of SuperSport United FC.
SuperSport, a company under Multichoice Africa, wholly owns SuperSport United. Khulu Sibiya is a board member at Multichoice Africa Pty Ltd.
SuperSport United is one of the most consistent teams in the PSL. The club has won three PSL titles (2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10).
11. John Comitis – $8.7 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Cape Town City, Ajax Cape Town
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Profession: Businessman, Football Administrator
John Comitis has an estimated net worth of $8.7 million. He owns Cape Town City FC, a team that plays in the Premier Soccer League at the DHL Stadium.
Before he became the owner of Cape Town City FC’s owner, John Comitis was Ajax Cape Town’s co-owner. He co-owned Ajax Cape Town for 14 years.
Although he is a football administrator, John Comitis is a businessman and entrepreneur. His interests are in construction and real estate.
12. Abram Sello – $7.5 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Marumo Gallants
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Profession: Pharmacist, Enterpreneur
Abram Sello owns Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Before owning TTM, he was the owner of Marumo Gallants.
Sello purchased the PSL rights from TTM to become its owner. Before he became a club administrator, Abram Sello was a pharmacist.
As of 2023, Abram Sello has an estimated net worth of $7.5 million.
13. Mato Madlala – $6.2 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Lamontville Golden Arrows FC
- Birthplace: Lamontville, South Durban
- Profession: Football Administrator
Mato Madlala is one of the richest football club owners in South Africa. She has an estimated net worth of $6.2 million, which she accumulated while working as a board member at Cullinan Holdings Ltd.
Mato Madlala owns Lomontville Golden Arrows FC, which plays in the Premier Soccer League at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
Also, Mato is the current acting CEO of the South African Premier Soccer League.
14. David Thidiela – $6.1 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Black Leopards FC
- Birthplace: Vhufuli Village, Limpopo, South Africa
- Profession: Businessman, Pastor
David Thidiela has a net worth of $6.1 million. He owns Black Leopards FC, which plays in the National First Division. David Thidiela and his family became the owners of Black Leopards in 1998.
Besides club ownership, David Thidiela is part of the Premier Soccer League Executive Committee.
Furthermore, David Thidiela is a pastor and philanthropist who likes to give back to the community.
15. Joseph Mapfulagasha – $6.1 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Platinum Stars FC
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Profession: Football Administrator, Businessman
Joseph Mapfulagasha has a net worth of $6.1 million. He was the owner of Platinum Stars FC.
Joseph became the owner of Platinum Stars FC in the 1990s. He helped the team win several honours, including two Telkom Knockout titles and one MTN 8 title.
But in 2019, the club was dissolved after its league license was sold to Cape Umoya United.
16. Farook Kadodia – $4.7 Million
- Club(s) Owned: Maritzburg United Football Club
- Date of Birth: 3 January 1960
- Birthplace: South Africa
Farook Kadodia’s net worth is $4.7 million, making him one of the richest football club owners in South Africa. He is the chairman of Maritzburg United Football Club, a team relegated from the PSL during the 2022-23 season.
Farook Kabodia is also the manager of Muzika Investments.
Have your say
Which football club do you support in South Africa, and who is the owner? And how has the owner’s decision affected how you support your club?
