By The Numnbers: PSL Monthly Awards

Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows were the biggest winners in the PSL Monthly awards for September/October. The (relatively) new Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was recognised for a flawless league run in the mentioned months, while Siyanda Ndlovu (formerly Siyanda Mthanti) also got recognition for a stellar start to the season. Due to two international breaks and two Carling Cup weekends which saw limited league action, the September and October months were combined into one award. By The Numbers looks at the second edition of these awards.

Coach of the Month

Sundowns and Sekhukhune have dominated this award in 2025, with four of the last five awards going to the two clubs (two each). But there really was no doubting the destination of the latest gong. By many measures, Orlando Pirates were flawless in this period. They may have only played three games, but they maintained a 100% win rate in them. Furthermore, Pirates did not concede a single goal in that time.

The results, coupled with a solid late run in August, have seen Pirates steadily climb up the table to a strong position. At the time of writing, they are second on the table by three points, with two games in hand to overtake and take an outright three point lead. The award only recognises league performances, so Pirates’ run into this weekend’s Carling Knockout semi-finals has not been factored in. Neither has their CAF exit been considered, however, but things are looking good on the domestic front for the Bucs.

1 – The last time an Orlando Pirates coach won this award was exactly a year ago (Jose Riveiro in September/October 2024).

Player of the Month

Golden Arrows’ Siyanda Ndlovu has played a key part in Golden Arrows’ positive start to the season. The KZN side are comfortably in the Top8 and can go into the international break as high as fourth on the table. In addition, they are into the Last 4 of the Carling Knockout. Ndlovu’s performances have even earned calls for a national team call up by his coach Manqoba Mngqithi.. Many will argue that may be club bias talking, but the raw objective numbers also sing the same tune. With 25 chances created, Ndlovu is the leading chance creator in the league this season, with no other player creating 20 or more.

In the period under consideration when adjudicating Player of the Month, Ndlovu has clearly shown his worth. No player in the league was involved in more goals across September & October (6), and no outfield player won possession in the final third more than him (six times). His importance to Arrows’ attack is further highlighted by him leading the league for dribbles (13) and chances created from open play (11) in the last two months. To add icing to the cake, Ndlovu also won the Goal of the Month award for his mazy solo run against Stellenbosch.

1 – Ndlovu is the first Golden Arrows player to win Player of the Month award since we have full awards data available (2014/25 onwards).