PSL Title Race: Pirates & Sundowns remain locked together after 20 games

The PSL schedule was lighter than usual this midweek, with only two league games played. Yet, both carried significance in the title race. Defending champions Sundowns and current log leaders Orlando Pirates remain locked at the summit of the table, and both were victorious during the week. The Brazilians scored two late goals past Orbit College to take top spot on Tuesday evening, before the Buccaneers also secured a similar win over Richards Bay, reclaiming the throne. How did they do it? Laduma Analytics dives into the numbers.

Orlando Pirates (2.07xG) 2-0 (0.33xG) Richards Bay

Pirates have responded well to their recent Cup elimination, winning three games in a row since the shock defeat to Casric Stars. Performances have been convincing, but more notably, results have also followed – a far cry from the Pirates that often played well but never seemed to get the wins they deserved. A recurring worry among the fan base has been whether the team can get the job done and score goals. Recent results show progress, but there is still work to be done in front of goal, as the creative efforts of their attacking midfielders often go unrewarded.

67 – big chance total for Pirates this season (1st in the league)

49 – big chances missed by Pirates this season (1st in the league)

With Sundowns winning the day before, Pirates knew that only a win would be acceptable on the night. They showed intensity and willingness to dominate the ball, especially against an opponent who have had a solid campaign.

Pirates dominated both the scoreline and the underlying metrics. Pirates created 2.07 xG from 17 shots. This indicates they were consistently threatening and created high-quality scoring opportunities. Richards Bay, on the other hand, managed only 0.33 xG from 9 shots. Their low xG relative to their shot count suggests they were forced into taking low-probability shots from distance, as the shot map above shows.

Pirates took the lead before the half-hour mark when Oswin Appollis scored his fourth league goal of the season, taking his total goal contributions to eight (4 goals, 4 assists). The hosts continued to create chances after the break and secured the win when Evidence Makgopa converted a penalty. Richards Bay offered little threat, aside from brief spells of half-chances all game.