Winners & Losers: PSL Matchday 1

There were big opening day wins for AmaZulu, Siwelele, Durban City and Kaizer Chiefs, while defending champions Sundowns dropped points.

On the other hand, Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows and Richards Bay all started on a losing note, and will be hoping to bounce back as soon as possible. Winners & Losers is a statistical review of the weekend action.

Winners

AmaZulu

It’s hard to overstate how much of a mess Arthur Zwane found when he first took charge of this squad. This time last season when he took over, AmaZulu were at the start of a four-game losing run to open the season. Things could go differently this time.

2018 – This is the first time since 2018 that AmaZulu won their season-opening game.

Sinethemba Badela

A 1-1 draw may not be a typical cause for celebration, but when it is a comeback draw against the defending champions in your debut game as a young coach, it could be significant. Badela is not the youngest coach in the league (that honour goes to Marumo Gallants’ Alexandre Lafitte), yet he is definitely one to watch out for.

2019 – This was the first time since 2019 that Chippa came back from a goal down to pick up a point against Sundowns.

Gavin Hunt & Durban City

The last thing a newly promoted side wants is to start the season already chasing the rest. In Gavin Hunt, City may not play the most exciting football many fans want, but they are almost guaranteed effective football the club needs to survive a first campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs

They have endured mixed results when opening the season since 2012 winning five, drawing five and losing three of the last 13 season openers. But in front of a loud mostly yellow-shirted crowd, they ensured this one added to the win column.

2012 – This is the first time since 2012 Chiefs win their opening game by a margin of 2+ goals.

Siwelele FC

It’s only the first game of the season, but it’s worth noting that this same group of players scored more than two goals in a game just once all season.

Sekhukhune & Eric Tinkler

A week after a stirring win from 2-0, Sekhukhune opened their season with one of the biggest wins of the weekend. It’s an impressive win for Eric Tinkler in particular, given that he beat the same side by the same scoreline at the end of last season.

2 – Tinkler had won each of his last two games vs. Pirates, having won one of his first 15 as a coach.

10 man Marumo Gallants’ resilience

Last season on Matchday 1, Marumo Gallants received a red card. This season on Matchday 1, Marumo Gallants received a red card. Last season, they went on to lose 2-1. This season, they held on to win 2-1.

Losers

Orlando Pirates

Defeat on Matchday 1 is not the end of the world. After all, Pirates lost their season opener two seasons ago, and recovered to finish in second position. However, defeat knowing that Sundowns have already dropped points will feel like a double missed opportunity for the Buccaneers.

1 – Pirates have won just one of their five home league games (D3 L1)

Richards Bay

For 51 minutes, Richards Bay played this game with a man advantage. They made the most of that edge early in the second half with a goal, but desperately huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game. Their desperation would cost them late on.