6 Richest PSL Football Club Owners: Kaizer Chiefs Motaung Joins the High Net Worth Elites

South African football boasts a passionate fan base and talented players, but the ownership scene is another story altogether.

The beautiful game has become a playground for the super-rich, with billionaires and business moguls vying for control of premier clubs.

Here’s a breakdown of the six richest South African football club owners and their estimated net worths:

1. Johann Rupert (Stellenbosch FC) – $9 Billion

Leading the pack is Johann Rupert, owner of Stellenbosch FC. His immense wealth, estimated at a staggering $9 billion, comes from Cie Financiere Richemont, a luxury goods conglomerate. Rupert’s involvement highlights the vast financial resources present within South African football ownership.

2. Patrice Motsepe (Mamelodi Sundowns) – $2.3 Billion

Following closely behind is Patrice Motsepe, the former chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns and current CAF president. Despite stepping away from daily operations, Motsepe remains the club’s principal owner, boasting a net worth of $2.3 billion. His investment and leadership have been instrumental in Sundowns’ dominance on both the South African and continental stages.

3. Kaizer Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs) – $60 Million

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Kaizer Chiefs’ founder, Kaizer Motaung, presents a stark contrast to the billionaires. His estimated net worth of $60 million pales in comparison, yet his influence on the sport is undeniable. Motaung has built Kaizer Chiefs into a global brand, solidifying his place as a South African football legend.

4. Irvin Khoza (Orlando Pirates) – $35 Million

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Irvin Khoza, the chairman of Orlando Pirates and the Premier Soccer League, brings a wealth of experience to the ownership landscape. He has served as Orlando Pirates’ chairman since 1991 and has various business interests, including investments and foreign exchange firms. His estimated net worth sits at $35 million.

5. Jomo Sono (Jomo Cosmos FC) – $20 Million

Jomo Sono, a South African footballing legend, transitioned his passion into ownership by founding Jomo Cosmos FC in 1983. Despite facing relegation setbacks, Jomo Cosmos has remained commercially successful. Sono’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond football, encompassing fast food chains, hotels, and investments in diamonds, coal, and petroleum. His net worth is estimated at $20 million.

6. Shauwn Mkhize (Royal AM FC) – $16 Million

Shauwn Mkhize, a Durban-based entrepreneur, joined the ownership ranks in 2019 by acquiring Real Kings FC and renaming it Royal AM. Her estimated net worth of $16 million reflects a more recent entry into the world of football ownership.

This list exemplifies the diverse financial backgrounds of South African football club owners. While the influx of wealth has undoubtedly elevated the sport’s profile, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of such a model.

The beautiful game in South Africa now faces a critical question: will it continue to be fueled by passion and talent, or will it become an exclusive domain for the super-rich?