Weekend Sports Roundup - Statistical overview of the recent athletic events
Uncensored Soccer Recap: Sundowns Outpaced by Pirates, Chiefs Still Chasing Wide
In a thrilling turn of events, Sundowns found themselves falling behind as Orlando Pirates emerged victorious in a nail-biting 2-1 clash. This unexpected defeat slightly extends the title race, with Sundowns and Pirates locking horns until the final month.
As neutrals, we can't help but appreciate the excitement Orlando Pirates brought to the game. A victory for Sundowns would have all but sealed the 2024/25 championship. Now, the race remains open, promising an exhilarating finale.
One of the many positives pointing towards Pirates is their momentum this season. Some supporters are already expressing concerns about the future of the influential figure steering the rejuvenation of the Pirates ship, with his contract reaching its end soon. The worries stem from setting such high standards this season.
- Pirates have bagged 14 victories this season (across 19 matches), matching their total number of wins throughout the last season (in 30 games).
- 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng's rapid brace in the opening five minutes against the Brazilians marked the quickest two-goal performance ever by a Pirates player in the PSL. (Regarding the exact timing, current data is under verification)
Magesi's spirits had begun to wane after a 10-game winless streak following their Carling Cup final. However, three consecutive home victories have rekindled their fire.
- Magesi has secured 15 points since the end of the losing streak, with only Sundowns and Galaxy earning more.
TS Galaxy bid farewell to their long-serving coach, Sead Ramovic. Adnan Beganovic, the assistant coach, has stepped up to lead, and so far, the transition has proven to be smooth.
- Since Beganovic's first game, Galaxy has accumulated 33 points, surpassed only by Sundowns (40 points) in terms of victory tallies.
Stellies have been grappling with inconsistency this season, failing to secure consecutive wins in the league. However, their away form has been a silver lining.
- Stellies have claimed four straight away league victories for the first time since their top-flight promotion.
Richards Bay scored a crucial win against a heavyweight opponent, moving further away from the danger zone.
- Richards Bay is riding an impressive six-game unbeaten streak at home (with four wins and two draws), marking their best run since being promoted.
Struggling Cities:
- Cape Town City and Polokwane City have been slumping, with Cape Town City currently enduring a 10-game winless streak and Polokwane City seven games without a win. The former's situation is more concerning, as coaching changes aimed at improving results have so far been unsuccessful.
- Kaizer Chiefs are experiencing an alarming trend, with 22 shots and no goals in their last match. Nasreddine Nabi voiced similar concerns after their previous outing, and the statement remains relevant following the recent result.
Chiefs have lost an unprecedented nine league games this season, a figure that has never been reached so early in a PSL top-flight championship campaign before.
- Orlando Pirates overperformed expectations with a 2-1 victory against Sundowns, narrowing the title race and prolonging the excitement for the finale.
- 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng scored the quickest two-goal performance ever by a Pirates player in the PSL, which is currently under verification.
- TS Galaxy have been impressive since the transition to new coach Adnan Beganovic, amassing 33 points, only surpassed by Sundowns in terms of victory tallies.
- Cape Town City find themselves in a concerning slump, currently experiencing a 10-game winless streak despite coaching changes.
- Nasreddine Nabi expressed concerns over Kaizer Chiefs' shooting accuracy, as they had 22 shots and no goals in their last match, marking an alarming trend.
