Trends in Goal Scoring Across PSL Matches during Q1
Football Frenzy: Unraveling PSL's First Half
The festive football break of 2024 has passed, giving us a peek at the captivating developments in the PSL so far. Close to 20% of the season (50 matches) has been played, and every team has scuffled and scored at least once, with only Orlando Pirates remaining undefeated, topping the leaderboard. At the other end of the spectrum, TS Galaxy has yet to taste victory.
PSL to date has seen:
Bet Now: PSL- A whopping 91 goals scored
Inside the box: 72 goals (79%)Outside the box: 19 goals (21%)
In the coming month, with 40 more games on the horizon, the league will complete approximately 38% of its campaign. The second half will bring with it a flurry of matches, including the Nedbank Cup games and a March international break, promising an action-packed five months ahead. The question remains if this hectic schedule will affect the quality of play, goals, and chance creation. Only time will tell!
Retracing Our Steps: Strike Zone Investigation
Below, you'll find a map visualizing the shooting volume and precision of all PSL teams. Teams are arranged based on the number of shots taken thus far. Take a look, and don't forget to zoom in for a closer view of your favorites!
Orlando Pirates are in the driver's seat with a significant three-point cushion. The Bucs have launched the highest number of shots, and their expected goal (xG) count stands at 11.75. While they are the only team to have surpassed the 10-goal mark, their accuracy leaves much to be desired, with 40 misplaced shots in total.
Despite their recent cup final loss, Sundowns have remained lethal in front of the net, leading the league in goals scored (15). They take shots at a slower pace but maintain impressive efficiency, boasting a 23% shot conversion rate, well above the league average of 10%. However, this number has already witnessed a 3% drop from the October international break and may continue to decline in the coming weeks. Like Pirates, Sundowns will compete in the CAF Champions League group stages.
Kaizer Chiefs, despite stumbling early in the season, have fired the second-highest number of shots, trailing their Soweto rivals. With the league's average conversion rate currently at 9%, the Glamour Boys' shooting accuracy has been their undoing in several games.
Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United, at 4th and 5th on the table, have exhibited promising shooting volumes. Yet, both teams still need improvement in converting these chances into goals.
Former strugglers like Royal AM, SuperSport United, Magesi, and TS Galaxy have found themselves in similar boats, managing a disheartening 6% shot conversion rate.
The league's average conversion rate seldom wavers far from 10%, both locally and globally. To climb higher up the table, teams require both quantity and precision. Teams with high shot conversion rates like Golden Arrows in the previous season struggled due to their low shot volume, demonstrating the need for balance.
The football season in 2025 might witness an unprecedented competition as the PSL teams, who have shown a high volume of shots so far, strive for accuracy to convert those chances into goals. Orlando Pirates, the current league leaders, will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak, surpassing 10 goals but with room for improvement in their shot accuracy. Sundowns, despite a recent cup final loss, have managed to score the highest number of goals with impressive efficiency. Kaizer Chiefs, though trailing Orlando Pirates in shot volume, have suffered due to their shooting accuracy. Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United, despite promising shooting volumes, also need improvement in converting their chances.
Highlighting the importance of both quantity and precision, teams like Royal AM, SuperSport United, Magesi, and TS Galaxy, who currently struggle with a disheartening 6% shot conversion rate, aim to find a balance between shot volume and shot accuracy to climb higher up the table. Volumes of shots taken and their conversion rates will be critical factors to watch in the second half of the PSL season in 2025.
