PSL
A review of Sekhukhune United, Durban City and Stellenbosch FC
The month of September saw Sekhukhune United, Durban City FC and Stellenbosch FC play four league fixtures each.
With the International break underway and the Carling Knockout Cup having completed its first round last weekend, this is another opportunity to examine how some of the other teams are performing in the PSL top-flight.
Sekhukhune United
Eric Tinkler’s side played four league games in September, winning two, drawing one and losing one. They started the season well and were top of the table during the September International break and before their last two fixtures in September – a 1-1 draw against Chippa United and a 1-0 loss against Polokwane City. Nearly a third of the way into the league campaign, they have made an encouraging start to the season.
Their trajectory is sitting comfortably above the historical Top 8 benchmark and tracking close to Top 3 form after nine games. The team’s actual and expected points lines are in the Top3 range, suggesting their results broadly reflect their performances rather than being inflated by luck.
If they can maintain this pace, Sekhukhune could find themselves in contention for a top-three finish.
Durban City
Gavin Hunt and his team have taken 15 points from their first 9 games, as well as qualifying for the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup last weekend. During September, they enjoyed 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the league. Overall, their start to the campaign has been steady for a newly promoted side, and they sit just below the Top 8 after nine matches.
Their actual points closely mirror their expected points, which suggests their current position is a fair reflection of their performances so far. While they’ve yet to find the consistency needed to push toward the top three, they’re comfortably above the safety line and within reach of mid-table or better if they can turn a few tight results in their favor over the coming weeks.
Stellenbosch FC
It hasn’t been a smooth start to the season for the Cape Winelands side and that run continued into early October. After reaching the MTN 8 final but falling short against Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch managed just two points from a possible twelve in September. However, they did get a turn of fortune and beat Kaizer Chiefs on penalties over the weekend in the Carling Knockout.
They currently sit just above the safety line after nine league games, with their points and expected points tracking closely. Scoring just three goals in nine league games will be a concern for Steve Barker and his technical team as they look to go on a deep run into all competitions, just like they did last season.
While consistency has been an issue, the underlying data points to room for growth. Converting a few tight games into wins could see them climb toward the Top 8 as the season progresses.
