Five statistics

Sundowns spoiled Rulani Mokwena’s homecoming with a 2-0 win over MC Alger at the weekend, that sensured safe passage into the Champions League quarter-finals. On the same day, Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated in the Confererations Cup in the final group game following a 2-1 defeat in Egypt. Domestically, Orlando Pirates continued their fine form with a comfortable 3-0 win over Maruno Gallants, while there were important wins for Chippa, Durban City and Golden Arrows.

Here are five emerging narratives from the weekend… in numbers.

Goalkeepers joining in the fun

The 2025/26 season may be a low scoring season for strikers, but that should not take away from the fun that defenders and goalkeepers are enjoying. For the first time in PSL history, two keepers (Brandon Petersen & Sipho Chaine) collected 11 clean sheets before the halfway stage in the same season. This weekend, Chaine became the fastest keeper in PSL history to reach 12 clean sheets. Yet, keepers are starting to get involved on the other end as well. Darren Keet joined the 10-clean-sheet club as Durban City beat TS Galaxy on the weekend, but his assist for the second goal is what got people talking.

7 – Darren Keet became the 7th goalkeeper to assist a league goal since we have full assist data available (2020 onwards), and the 1st since Edward Maova in September 2024.

Junior Dion chases Golden Boot

The race for the Golden Boot sees Ivorian striker Sede Junior Dion setting the pace. The brace against Magesi this weekend took him to nine league goals for the season, which is already his best return for an individual campaign. The league leading teams Sundowns & Pirates do not have dominant goalscorers, leaving the window open for an underdog marksman to control the goalscoring narrative. Dion’s run of goalscoring and goal contributions is quickly becoming the attacking story of the season.

10 – Junior Dion is the first PSL top-flight player to be directly involved in 10 league goals this season (9 goals, 1 assist).

Abdeslam Ouaddou makinga name for himself

When Orlando Pirates lost to Marumo Gallants in August, a few started doubting the new coach at the helm. They were mistaken. Pirates have now enjoyed their best ever start to a PSL season (at 16 games), despite losing their opening two. There will be bigger fish to fry than Marumo Gallants, starting with the defending champions Sundowns on Wednesday. Should they win that game, they will become favourites for the title. Before then, it is worth celebrating how far Pirates have come, and nothing epitomises Ouaddou’s impact at Pirates than their home form.

1 – Abdeslam Ouaddou is the first coach in PSL history to oversee 11 consecutive home wins across competitions for a single club.

Sundowns still flying the flag

A disappointing result against St Eloi Lupipo last week, but one that is entirely forgivable in hindsight. An astro-turf, a hostile crowd in Lubumbashi but still a point that kept them alive going into the final matchday. Credit must go to Miguel Cardoso, who navigated a tumultuous week off the field but set up his team perfectly against MC Alger. Sundowns were solid defensively and finally took the chance to win a game when it was within their grasp. For all the noise surrounding the club recently, qualification was a reminder of their undoubted quality.

8 – Since group stage elimination in 2018, Sundowns have reached the Last 8 of the CAF Champions League for the eighth consecutive season.

Kaizer Chiefs continue to struggle in Egypt

In almost any other season, a 2-1 defeat away at an Egyptian team in the group stage would be a respectable result for any team. The group stage formula in CAF competitions has always been straightforward – win your home games, nick one draw or win away from home. Chiefs had done most of the first part in beating Al Masry and Zesco at home. However, they struggled against Zamalek at home, needing a 96th-minute equaliser to keep hopes alive. It meant they went into the final matchday needing to avoid defeat in Egypt, but this is not a place you want to bring permutations.

0 – Kaizer Chiefs have never won an away game in Egypt, drawing one and losing three times on their visits to the north African country