A review of the weekend PSL action in numbers and stats

The result meant Sundowns returned to the top of the PSL table following their routine win over Richards Bay. For Eric Tinkler’s side, the defeat also brought to an end their pursuit of a 25 year PSL record. Elsewhere there were good home wins for KZN teams Durban City & Golden Arrows, while Siwelele finally broke their drought. Winners & Losers is a statistical review of the weekend action.

Winners

Sundowns’ incredible home form

The longest home winning run before this iteration of Sundowns got going last season was 11. Not only have they extended that record, they are starting to obliterate it and are on 19 now. They have scored 54 goals and conceded just six in that winning run, scoring at least 2+ goals in 18 of those games.

Because it’s never been done before, it may be hard to put in context. We’ve gone to cousin Joe to help us with the English Premier League record for context.

24 – Between February 2019 and July 2020, Jürgen Klopp oversaw 24 consecutive league wins for Liverpool at Anfield; the longest ever home winning run in English top-flight history.

Miguel Cardoso

While some may be unhappy about the team’s performance (see banners at the stadium asking for the coach to leave), there is no doubt the results have been forthcoming. One defeat in 10 games does not constitute a crisis, and Cardoso can tell his leadership the team are still in a relatively good position.

1 – For the first time this season, Sundowns are at the top of the table.

Iqraam Rayners

24% of the 54 goals scored by Sundowns in that home run have come from Iqraam Rayners’ boot (or head), and this season alone, he’s scored in every home game.

20 – No PSL player has scored as many league goals as Rayners since he joined Sundowns at the start of last season (20).

Polokwane City

The first team to stop Sundowns scoring last season, and the first to stop Sekhukhune scoring since January this year. An uncertain start to the season that saw them win one of their first five games will soon be forgotten.

3 – City have now won three consecutive home games – the last time they went on a longer run since February 2016 (4).

Dion Sede

He’s already equalled his best league total for a seaon (5), with just one quarter of the season gone. A 15-goal season is possible if he remains consistent, which would be impressive for a player at a new club.

5 – Dion has already scored more league goals than any Arrows player managed last season.

Abdeslam Ouaddou

Ouaddou has now overseen six consecutive wins across all competitions for Orlando Pirates.

3 – Only three coaches have gone on longer runs for the club in the PSL era – Jose Riveiro (2024), Augusto Palacios (2004) & Viktor Bondarenko (1999).

Losers

Stellies

Stellenbosch have enjoyed an incredible run in the last few seasons, reaching CAF competitions in back-to-back campaigns. But this season is shaping up to be far from that.

6 – Six points is Stellies’ worst run after nine games of the season, and the first time they have fewer than 10 points at this stage.

Chippa United

In the last 30 games, Chippa United have won 27 points – the definition of relegation form.

1 – Chippa have just one win in 16 games since last season (D6 L9).