Winners & Losers: PSL Matchday 6

It was goals galore in the latest round of PSL action, with 19 goals scored in seven midweek matches. Sekhukhune United were the biggest winners during the week, and it was not just by virtue of the biggest scoring gap. There were solid wins also for AmaZulu, Chippa and the two cities (Polokwane & Durban), while other teams dropped points. Winners & Losers is a statistical review of teh midweek action.

Winners

Sekhukhune United

United deservedly top the winners list following their impressive 3-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs. Their victory took them back to the summit of the table after Sundowns had temporarily replaced them over the weekend. More importantly, it helped them open up some breathing space from the rest.

16 – 16 points from 18 is their best ever start to a top-flight campaign.

Eric Tinkler

Only four times in PSL history has a team started the season better after six games. All those teams won their opening six games with three of those ending up as champions (2002/03 Pirates, 2014/15 Chiefs and 2023/24 Sundowns). 2024/25 Pirates are the exception. Where Sekhukhune goes from here will be fascinating to see; for now Tinkler can bask in the glory of overcoming his favourite opponent.

13 – Tinkler has now won 13 matches against Chiefs in his coaching career, more than any other PSL opponent.

Bradley Grobler

Grobler’s goals span 18 years – from 2007 to 2025, and that longevity can make it easy to under-appreciate just how special he has been.

12 – Bradley Grobler has now scored 12 goals against Kaizer Chiefs (all comps) – his most against a single opponent in his club career.

AmaZulu

This was the fourth consecutive game in which Usuthu were leading a game at half time – only the second time in PSL history they have been ahead at the break in 4 straight games. Unlike their last two half-time leads, they managed to hold on here.

11 – 11 points from 18 is their joint-best start at this stage of a PSL top-flight season (11 also in 2013/14 and 2022/23).

Polokwane City

Two wins in 19 would have worried plenty of Polokwane City’s supporters, but this was a handy reminder of the sides quality, and their comeback is noteworthy.

3 – This is only the 3rd time that City comeback from a half-time deficit to win a league game (also 2016 v Maritzburg & 2018 v Sundowns)

Iqraam Rayners

Three games against Rayners since last season have resulted in a goal in each.

18 – Rayners has scored 18 goals in the league since joining Sundowns, more than any other player in that time.

Losers

Stellenbosch’s loss of form

A tough period for Steve Barker’s men, who have won just three of the 10 games they have played this season (all comps). Goals are the obvious issue, with just three scored in six league games. Most worryingly, all three goals have come from just one player.

2019/20 – Only once before have Stellies started a season worse than this one after 6 games (3 points from six in 2019/20).

Golden Arrows

1-0 up at half-time, Arrows were on their way to a win that would have kept thm in the top-half of the table. Instead, they lost a man to a red card and gave away their lead, including a 96th minute sucker punch.

1 – This was the first time since November 2023 where Arrows led a game at half-time and lost, and only the second time post-Covid that this happened.