PSL Stats Leaderboard: 10 stats from the PSL season

As the PSL has paused for a two week FIFA International break, it presents a moment to take stock of the most outstanding players in the league so far. The current top goalscorer, Golden Arrows’ Sede Dion Junior, and the keeper with the most clean sheets, Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine, have dominated recent headlines. However, there are other unsung heroes who have made significant contributions, but may not be as celebrated. Part 1 of this analysis looks at some of the leading players in key stats so far, with a quarter of the season remaining.

Which players have been most ambitious?

While Chiefs have struggled for goals all season (just 19 goals in 20 games), their players have not lacked attacking intent. Makabi Lilepo stands out here. The 28-year-old is the club’s joint-top scorer across all competitions this season with seven goals. He is on course for a 10-goal season, which would be impressive for a player that is not deployed as an out-and-out striker. Yet, non-strikers enjoying high shooting volumes seems to be a league-wide trend.

Top five players for shots taken this season:

• 68 – Makabi Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs)
• 47 – Bokang Mokwena (Durban City)
• 43 – Sede Dion (Arrows)
• 43 – Rele Mofokeng (Pirates)
• 43 – Oswin Appollis (Pirates)

Which forwards have been most effective?

Iqraam Rayners may have missed out on the latest Bafana Bafana squad, but he has the most efficient scoring rate. The Sundowns striker has played just over 1,000 minutes this season. Yet, he’s managed 10 goals in that period, averaging a goal every 101 minutes. Among players with more than three goals to their name, this is the most impressive rate this term.

Which forwards have been most effective?

Iqraam Rayners may have missed out on the latest Bafana Bafana squad, but he has the most efficient scoring rate. The Sundowns striker has played just over 1,000 minutes this season. Yet, he’s managed 10 goals in that period, averaging a goal every 101 minutes. Among players with more than three goals to their name, this is the most impressive rate this term.

Top five players for minutes per goal:

• 101 – Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)
• 114 – Brayan Leon (Sundowns)
• 120 – Sede Dion (Arrows)
• 123 – Tshegofatso Mabasa (2 clubs)
• 123 – Flavio Silva (Kaizer Chiefs)

Which players have been most creative?

Beyond assists, creative midfielders sometimes go unnoticed if the chances they create are not converted. Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto and Oswin Appollis lead the assist charts with six each, and Pirates’ creative genius is also mirrored in the chance creation charts. Of the top five players for chances created, three come from Pirates. Multiple players have been pulling the strings for them all season.

Top five players for chances created:

• 59 – Rele Mofokeng (Pirates)
• 42 – Siyanda Ndlovu (Arrows)
• 42 – Oswin Appollis (Pirates)
• 33 – Deon Hotto (Pirates)
• 30 – Devin Titus (Stellenbosch)

Which players have been most entertaining?

Beyond modern-day metrics like chances and big chances created, the average fan still enjoys the old art of dribbling. Fans fill up stadiums for this purest form of entertainment, cheering attackers to bravely take opposition players on. By that measure, Golden Arrows fans have enjoyed their season, with two of their players ranking among the top five dribblers.

Top five players for dribbles completed:

• 46 – Nkosikhona Rabebe (AmaZulu)
• 36 – Bonginkosi Dlamini (Polokwane)
• 35 – Ayabulela Maxwele (Arrows)
• 29 – Siyanda Ndlovu (Arrows)
• 26 – Justice Figuareido (Chippa)

Which goalkeepers have been most busy?

The 2025/26 season is on course to be the lowest goalscoring campaign in 30 years. 337 goals have been scored at an average of 1.95 per game, the lowest scoring rate in PSL history. A lot of focus usually falls on underperforming attackers, but goalkeepers have been equally crucial in restricting goals at the other end. High save counts may indicate weak defences, they still show us which keepers have led the number one goalkeeper KPI – shot stopping.

Top five keepers for saves made:

• 77 – Ira Tape (TS Galaxy)
• 69 – Washington Arubi (Marumo)
• 58 – Darren Johnson (AmaZulu)
• 52 – Sage Stephens (Stellenbosch)
• 48 – Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)