PSL Stats Leaderboard: 10 stats from the PSL season

Domestic club football returns this weekend as South Africa’s three representatives, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC kick off their group stage campaigns in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup. It’s been a decade since a South African team won a continental title, a fact that does not with the recently improved quality of our football. Sundowns have consistently come close, including reaching last season’s final, but the onus is on other teams to punch higher. We review the coming weekend of CAF interclub games.

Saturday 22 November:

Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) v St Eloi Lupopo (DRC)

Competition: CAF Champions League

Kickoff: 1500hrs (SA time)

Venue: Home

Sundowns, last season’s beaten finalists and, according to Opta rankings, the strongest side in Group C, are heavy favourites to advance. Their group includes Sudanese giants Al Hilal, Algerian’s MC Alger, and DR Congo’s FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo, the team that stunned their PSL rivals Orlando Pirates in the preliminary round. The Brazilians begin their quest against Lupopo, a side whose early domestic form (3 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses) suggests solid, if not spectacular, efficiency. Their initial strength lies upfront, with all seven domestic goals coming from forwards. Keep an eye on Horso Mwaka, who has been electric with 3 goals and 1 assist, and Emmanuel Bola Lobota (1 goal, 4 big chances created).

That said, Sundowns’ tactical discipline and depth should prove too much for the Congolese side, but the memory of Lupopo eliminating Pirates will serve as a strong warning against complacency. With Al Hilal and MC Alger providing traditionally tough North African opposition, Sundowns must ensure a dominant start to take control of the group.

Sunday 23 November:

Kaizer Chiefs (RSA) v Al Masry (Egypt)

Competition: CAF Confederations Cup

Kickoff: 1800hrs (SA time)

Venue: Away

In the CAF Confederations Cup, Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in a challenging Group D, sharing the stage with Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC, Zambian giants Zesco United, and their Matchday 1 opponents, Al Masry. This marks Amakhosi’s first return to continental group stage football since their 2021 Champions League final loss. Their opening match against Al Masry will be a tough test. The Egyptian side has started their domestic league well (5 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses from 12 games), and they are currently sitting in 5th.

Al Masry are a direct, box-threat side, with 15 of their 18 goals coming from inside the area, and they are prolific crossers (nearly four per game). Chiefs’ defence will have to be aware of the following key attackers. Salah Mohsen has 5 goals and 1 assist already this session, with Abderrahim Deghmoum (4 goals, 2 assists) also contributing significantly. Omar El Saaiy, with four goals, is a key chance creator for the side.

Sunday 23 November:

Stellenbosch FC (RSA) v Otoho d’Oyo (Congo)

Competition: CAF Confederations Cup

Kickoff: 1500hrs (SA time)

Venue: Home

Stellenbosch, last season’s semi-finalists, enter the Confederations Cup groupo stages looking to go one step further than last time out. Moreover, they are also looking for a change in fortunes following early season struggles. Their domestic league form has been inconsistent, so the continental stage offers a welcome distraction and a chance for the team to rediscover its winning rhythm. Their group opposition is not as high-profile as Chiefs’, and Stellies’ campaign starts with a home fixture against Congo’s AS Otohô.

The Congolese club are unbeaten in all five games they have played this season, but they may still be rusty given how their domestic season only just started. Stellenbosch will need their players to rise to the occasion to secure a crucial three points at home, especially before facing the rigours of travel and tougher away fixtures. The experience gained from last season’s run will be invaluable as they attempt to navigate the group phase and make another deep run in the tournament.