Exploring the Top 10 African Football Leagues

In Brief

• Egyptian Premier League: Established in 1948; top teams include Al Ahly and Zamalek; notable players are Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud El Khatib, and Hossam Hassan; Al Ahly has won the CAF Champions League ten times.
• South African Premier Division (PSL): Established in 1996; top teams include Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates; notable players are Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, and Percy Tau; Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in 2016.
• Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1: Founded in 1921; top teams include Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Club Africain, and Etoile du Sahel; notable players are Radhi Jaïdi, Youssef Msakni, and Wahbi Khazri; Espérance de Tunis has won the CAF Champions League four times.
• Botola Pro (Morocco): Top teams include Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and FAR Rabat; notable players are Mehdi Benatia, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri; both Raja and Wydad Casablanca have won multiple CAF Champions League titles.
• Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1: Established in 1962; top teams include JS Kabylie, MC Alger, and ES Sétif; notable players are Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, and Rabah Madjer; JS Kabylie has won the CAF Champions League twice and the CAF Confederation Cup three times.
• Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL): Top teams include Enyimba, Kano Pillars, and Enugu Rangers; notable players are Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Vincent Enyeama; Enyimba has won the CAF Champions League twice.
• Ghana Premier League: Established in 1956; top teams include Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, and Ashanti Gold; notable players are Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and Asamoah Gyan; Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have both won the CAF Champions League.
• Zambia Super League: Top teams include ZESCO United, Nkana FC, and Zanaco FC; notable players are Kalusha Bwalya, Patson Daka, and Enock Mwepu; ZESCO United has consistently performed well in continental competitions.
• Sudan Premier League: Established in 1962; top teams include Al Hilal and Al-Merrikh; notable players are Haitham Mustafa, Mudather Eltaib, and Nasreldin El Shigail; Al Hilal and Al-Merrikh have both made significant impacts in the CAF Champions League.
• Kenya Premier League: Top teams include Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Tusker FC; notable players are Victor Wanyama, Michael Olunga, and Dennis Oliech; Gor Mahia has won numerous domestic titles and has competed in the CAF Champions League.

IN DETAILS

Capetown, South Africa- African football has gained immense popularity and recognition over the years, with numerous leagues producing top talents who have made their mark both domestically and internationally. Here, we explore the ten greatest football leagues in Africa, highlighting their history, achievements, and notable players.

Egyptian Premier League

The Egyptian Premier League is arguably the most successful and competitive football league in Africa. Established in 1948, it has a rich history of producing top talent and dominant clubs. Al Ahly and Zamalek are the most successful clubs, with Al Ahly holding the record for the most league titles. Notable players include Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mahmoud El Khatib, and Hossam Hassan. Al Ahly has won the CAF Champions League a record ten times, making it one of the most successful clubs on the continent.

South African Premier Division (PSL)

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) of South Africa, established in 1996, is renowned for its organization, competitiveness, and financial stability. Top teams include Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates. Notable players are Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Benni McCarthy, and Percy Tau (Al Ahly). Mamelodi Sundowns have won multiple PSL titles and the CAF Champions League in 2016.

Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1

The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 is known for its strong teams and passionate fan base. Founded in 1921, it is one of the oldest leagues in Africa. Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Club Africain, and Etoile du Sahel are top teams. Notable players include Radhi Jaïdi, Youssef Msakni, and Wahbi Khazri (Saint-Étienne). Espérance de Tunis has won the CAF Champions League four times.

Botola Pro (Morocco)

Morocco's Botola Pro is celebrated for its high level of competition and has been a launching pad for many players to European leagues. Top teams are Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and FAR Rabat. Notable players include Mehdi Benatia (Juventus), Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea), and Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla). Both Raja and Wydad Casablanca have won multiple CAF Champions League titles.

Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1

The Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, established in 1962, is known for its competitive nature and the development of top talents. Top teams include JS Kabylie, MC Alger, and ES Sétif. Notable players are Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Islam Slimani, and Rabah Madjer. JS Kabylie has won the CAF Champions League twice and the CAF Confederation Cup three times.

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

The NPFL is one of the most exciting and unpredictable leagues in Africa, producing numerous players who have succeeded internationally. Top teams are Enyimba, Kano Pillars, and Enugu Rangers. Notable players include Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Vincent Enyeama. Enyimba has won the CAF Champions League twice and numerous domestic titles.

Ghana Premier League

The Ghana Premier League, established in 1956, has a rich history of producing world-class talent and competitive clubs. Top teams are Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, and Ashanti Gold. Notable players include Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and Asamoah Gyan. Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have both won the CAF Champions League.

Zambia Super League

The Zambia Super League has grown in prominence, especially after Zambia's national team won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Top teams include ZESCO United, Nkana FC, and Zanaco FC. Notable players are Kalusha Bwalya, Patson Daka (Leicester City), and Enock Mwepu. ZESCO United has consistently performed well domestically and in continental competitions.

Sudan Premier League

The Sudan Premier League, established in 1962, features some of the oldest and most successful clubs in African football. Top teams are Al Hilal and Al-Merrikh. Notable players include Haitham Mustafa, Mudather Eltaib, and Nasreldin El Shigail. Al Hilal and Al-Merrikh have both made significant impacts in the CAF Champions League.

Kenya Premier League

The Kenya Premier League has grown steadily, becoming more competitive and producing several players who have excelled internationally. Top teams are Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Tusker FC. Notable players include Victor Wanyama (CF Montréal), Michael Olunga, and Dennis Oliech. Gor Mahia has won numerous domestic titles and has competed in the CAF Champions League.