Five Statistics: PSL weekend review

It was another weekend of twists and turns in the PSL, marked by the first Soweto derby of the season. While a lot was made about the derby pre-game, Orlando Pirates were runaway winners on the day, crusing to their biggest derby win in 25 years. Sundowns responded 24 hours later, with a 3-1 win over Sekhukhune United. There were also important wins from Siwelele, Stellenbosch, Durban City and Polokwane City. Here are five emerging narratives from the weekend

Abdeslam Ouaddou etches name in history

Since 2008, Orlando Pirates have had 10 coaches that managed the side in a Soweto derby league game. None of them managed to win their debut derby, including revered names like Jose Riveiro and Roger de Sa. This was the context in which Ouaddou came into this game, in addition to the pressure of losing against Sundowns and getting eliminated from the Nedbank Cup. Just when a few fans were starting to doubt him, Ouaddou added yet another mini milestone to his impressive collection in his first season at Pirates.

6 – Ouaddou is the sixth Pirates coach to win their first league derby after Ronald Mkandawire (1997), Ted Dumitru (1999), Jean-Yves Kerjean (2001), Kosta Papic (2004) and Ruud Krol (2008).

Pirates record derby victory signifies gap between the Soweto giants

It is easy to forget that Pirates came into this game on the back of a league defeat and Cup elimination, but it is noteworthy that they have bounced back straightaway. A narrow 1-0 win would have been enough to exorcise the memories of the past week, but Pirates went all out. Truth is, they could have had more goals. The club have found a way to narrow the gap between them and Sundowns, and simultaneously are opening a chasm away from Chiefs. That’s five consecutive derby victories for the Bucaneers, a first in PSL history.

2001 – This was Pirates’ joint-biggest margin of victory in a league derby (also 3-0 in December 2001).

Kaizer Chiefs’ season starting to slip away

A month ago, Kaizer Chiefs were still competing in three competitions. A month later, they are out of the CAF Confederations Cup, the Nedbank Cup, and are slipping away from contention in the league. From a position of great promise, Chiefs have started to crumble. They may have a game in hand on their other rivals, but even a win in that game would leave them eight points behind. It is the worst time to lose form, and it already feels like another trophyless season is imminent.

4 – Chiefs have lost 4 of their last 5 games, having lost just one of the previous 17 before that.

Sundowns continue dominance over Sekhukhune

On paper, second versus third seems like a game of equals, or at least a clash of contrasting styles that will be close. From the onset, Sekhukhune’s game plan was clear – to allow Sundowns more of the ball, and take advantage of mistakes and lapses in concentration. Their equaliser was a perfect example of the latter, as Sekhukhune pounced on Jayden Adams’ hesitation just outside the Sundowns box. Yet, Sundowns quickly regained control of the game and cruised to yet another win. It’s a fixture that has proved one-sided in recent years.

10 – Sundowns have won 9 of their 10 league games played against Sekhukhune.

Grobler equals Siyabonga Nomvete, with a lesson for young strikers

For 10 minutes, it seemed as though Bradley Grobler’s goal would be enough to salvage a point for Eric Tinkler’s side. It proved to be just a consolation as they later lost, but it should not take away from the milestone it was. Grobler may be getting older, and less involved in games. He had 14 touches in this game, and completed six of eight passes. More than that, he had one touch in the opposition box, which was his only shot in the game that he took it clinically. It is the kind of ruthless efficiency that the younger players in the league would do well to learn from.

129 – Grobler has now scored 129 top-flight goals, equalling Siyabonga Nomvete and behind only Peter Shalulile (134) in PSL history.