Five Statistics: PSL & CAF quarter-final weekend

Mamelodi Sundowns were the biggest winners this past weekend, both on the field (a 3-0 cruise in CAF) and in the title race. While Pirates extended their lead at the top of the table by one point, they will feel that it could have been more. Elsewhere, Sede Dion Junior and Ricardo Goss produced standout performances for their teams, as the race for the Top 8 grew more competitive. Five Statistics is a statistical review of the key weekend narratives.

Pirates’ wastefulness causes stumble in title bid

51 – Orlando Pirates have missed 51 big chances in the league this season, more than any other team.

For weeks, we have warned about Pirates’ profligacy in front of goal. For months, their coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has done the same. Pirates’ defence has kept them in the title race for the most part, yet a solid defence alone can only take you so far. Title challenges may be built on strong defences as a foundation, but an outstanding attack (or at least a decently good one) is the roof of a title-winning house. A week ago, Pirates set a new club record for shots in a game, but only got two goals. This weekend, that luck seemed to run out, but it has been coming.

Sundowns make continental statement

3 – This was Sundowns’ biggest margin of victory in the Champions League quarter-final stages or later under Miguel Cardoso

The quarter-final stages of the CAF Champions League have mostly been very tightly contested games, leaving all ties in the balance. Defending champions Pyramids and FAR Rabat are locked in a 1-1 deadlock heading into the second leg. Likewise, RS Berkane and Al Hilal will go into the return leg inseparable at 1-1. Esperance needed a late penalty to beat Al Ahly 1-0, but they will have their work cut out in the second leg in Cairo. All ties are hard to call, except for the Sundowns-Stade Malien tie. Downs cruised to a 3-0 home win that could easily have been heavier. It will take a monumental effort for Stade Malien (or an unprecedented Sundowns collapse), to prevent them reaching yet another semi-final.

Kaizer Chiefs bounce back with nervy win

10 – This was Kaizer Chiefs’ 10th 1-0 win across competitions this season. Only once before (13 times in 2014/15) have they enjoyed more 1-0 wins in a single campaign.

After 4 consecutive losses, it did not matter how the next Kaizer Chiefs win would come about, nor when it came. All that mattered was the win, and Glody Lilepo delivered it with a wonder goal as an added bonus. In a competition as tight as the present league campaign, one result can make a big difference. Chiefs’ management have already reiterated the importance of CAF qualification during the week, and they are one point off the CAF positions with two games in hand. Chiefs’ next two games against Magesi and Orbit College are winnable, but a few more goals would certainly not hurt.

Ricardo Goss inspires Siwelele’s Top 8 push

7 – Only Sundowns (11) are currently on a longer unbeaten run than Siwelele (7).

While Pirates were wasteful, the other side of the narrative coin is how good Ricardo Goss was. The Siwelele keeper made 11 saves against Pirates, the first time a keeper has made more than 10 saves in a single game since we have full data available (2020 onwards). Siwelele are one of the teams stuck in mid-table comfort. They are nine points clear of the automatic relegation spot, and have the talent to avoid getting dragged down into that mire. However, a late Top 8 push is not out of the question.

Sede Dion takes control of Golden Boot race

50% – Dion has scored 50% of Arrows’ goals in the league, the highest proportion of any player for his team.

The last few seasons have been a long and winding route for Sede Dion. The Ivorian first arrived at Marumo Gallants from Jwaneng Galaxy in 2021, and has moved between AmaZulu and Marumo a few times, including loan spells. But he seems to have found a permanent home, and this is turning out to be his best season by far. He’s already reached double figures for goals for the first time in his career and now has his eyes set on becoming the top scorer at the end of the season. Iqraam Rayners seems the most credible threat in that race, but his minutes are often shared among a star-studded Sundowns squad. At Arrows, Dion is the main man, and will get more opportunities to add to his tally.