Top 10 most popular sports in South Africa in 2024

Last updated on January 12th, 2024 at 03:28 pm

South Africa is famous and best known for its achievements in numerous fields of sport. South Africans love playing all kinds of sports. People enjoy playing cricket, rugby, basketball, boxing, golf, netball, swimming, soccer and tennis. What are the top 10 most popular sports in South Africa in 2023? Read this article to know about the popular sports in South Africa. 

1. Cricket

Cricket is the most popular sport in South Africa in 2023. There are different types of cricket clubs in South Africa. The South African national team plays Test Cricket, One Day International (ODI), Twenty20, One Day, and T20. South African cricketers AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and Vernon Philander are famous and highest-paid South African cricketers across the world.

2. Football

Football is the second most popular sport in South Africa. The country has performed well in global soccer tournaments. The South African national football team has won two World Cups and three Confederations Cups. The National Football League (NFL) of South Africa has also become a well-known professional league. It is also one of the most popular sports in Africa. 

3. Rugby

Rugby is one of the most popular sports in South Africa in 2023. South Africa’s rugby team, the Springboks, has won the Rugby World Cup three times. South Africa has famous Rugby players like Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw and Jean de Villiers. 

4. Cycling

Cycling is also the largest participation sport in South Africa. South Africans also have the highest per capita spending on bicycles. Cycling South Africa is the national governing body of cycle racing in South Africa. Cycle racing is popular in South Africa.

5. Wrestling

Wrestling is widely popular in South Africa. Wrestling is also a part of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) family of sports. Wrestling is practised by all age groups in South Africa. 

6. Athletics

Athletics involves competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. It is one of the most popular sports in South Africa. Athletics South Africa is the national governing body for the sport of athletics in the country. Oscar Pistorius is the most famous South African Athlete.

7. Basketball

Basketball is often regarded as the most popular sport in South Africa. It has been the official sport of South Africa since 1994. The Basketball Association of South Africa (BASA) is the governing body for basketball in South Africa.

8. Boxing

Boxing is another popular sport in South Africa. South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) is the governing body for boxing in South Africa. Kevin “KO Kid” Lerena is one of the most famous South African professional boxers.

9. Rallying

The York Rally South Africa is an international rally racing organised by the South African Motorsport Club. Rallying is also popular in South Africa. The South African Rally Championship (SARC) is also popular in the country.

10. Swimming

Swimming South Africa is the national governing body for swimming in the country. Swimming is practised by all age groups in South Africa. Chad le Clos is a famous South African competitive swimmer.

These are the top 10 most popular sports in South Africa. Which is your favourite sport? Write down your answer in the comment section below. 

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