By The Numbers: Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns win

Seven midweek games delivered big wins for Orlando Pirates, Magesi and Kaizer Chiefs, while Mamelodi Sundowns, Chippa United and Richards Bay edged out their midweek opponents by a single goal. On the receiving end, Golden Arrows – and to a lesser extent Marumo Gallants and Orbit College – were heavily outplayed in their games. The results together left Sundowns and Pirates still locked in a heated title race, while Chiefs consolidated their grip on third. By The Numbers is a review of the midweek action.

Orbit College (0.3xG) 1-3 (1.01xG) Kaizer Chiefs

This was an impressive second half display from Chiefs, both offensively and defensively. After conceding a soft early goal, there were brief concerns. But Chiefs quickly reasserted control, turning the game around with three goals. The 3-1 comeback win helped them complete a league double over Orbit College. It also marked the first time since September 2024 that Chiefs scored three goals in an away game. More importantly, they have put together three straight wins for the first time since the start of the campaign.

2 – times Chiefs have scored 3+ goals in a league game this season (both games against Orbit)

3 – league doubles for Chiefs this season (they only had one last season)

Orlando Pirates (3.08xG) 5-0 (0.33xG) Golden Arrows

Another attacking masterclass from Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates sees them become the first team in PSL history to score 5+ goals in back-to-back league games. The intent was clear from the outset. In the first half alone, Pirates took 19 shots, the most by a PSL team in the opening half of a game since we have full PSL data available (2020 onwards, a period of six years).

30 – shots for Pirates in this game, the most by a team this season

5 – times a team has managed 27+ shots in a game this season

4 – times Pirates have been the team taking 27+ shots in a game this season

A solid defence has kept them in the title conversation, but their mesmerising attack may take this race all the way.

137 – shots for Orbit College this season

140 – shots for AmaZulu this season

146 – shots for Pirates since the end of February

Durban City (0.25xG) 0-1 (1.67xG) Sundowns

However, Sundowns maintained their position at the top following a controlled 1-0 win over Durban City. Confidence was sky high in the City camp after they reached the final of the Nedbank Cup recently, but Sundowns imposed themselves early and managed the rest of the game like the champions they are. The passing network shows how Sundowns forced City back, with a significantly large volume of passes among their defenders. This helped them control the tempo and dominate possession.

77% – possession for Sundowns in this game (a joint-season-high for Sundowns in an away game)

10 – wins for Sundowns since the start of the year (a new PSL record extended)

2023 – The last time a team went on a longer winning run (Sundowns again)

15 – the PSL record for consecutive wins that Sundowns can target.