+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Who is doing it best? GFX GOAL
Steve Blues

Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs or Sekhukhune United? When you dig down into the numbers, who is doing it best in the PSL 2025-26 season?

Stat nerds assemble! GOAL digs deep into the matrix to find which teams are leading the way in the key underlying metrics that show whether your team is just getting lucky (or unlucky) in their league campaign.

Stats and facts are the lifeblood of football discourse and have saved many a poor fan from the depths of despair after a particularly galling loss.

They are also a useful barometer for how a team is actually doing when you have a league table featuring teams who have played up to three more or less games in the season.

For example, we are faced with the familiar sight of Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table, but since they have played more matches than anyone else, is it really a true reflection of how they are performing?

GOAL digs deeply into the average team stats to bring you a truer picture of how your favourite club's season is unfolding...

  • Mamelodi Sundowns players vs Richards BayBackpagepix

    Average goals per match - Sundowns (1.7)

    After thumping Richards Bay 4-1 last time out, it is no surprise that The Brazilians just did enough to pip TS Galaxy (1.6) to top spot. Orlando Pirates (1.3) are fourth on the table with Kaizer Chiefs (1.0) down in seventh.

    • Advertisement
  • Khanyisa Mayo of Kaizer ChiefsBackpagepix

    Average shots on target per match - Kaizer Chiefs (5.8)

    While it will be heartening for Amakhosi fans to see them top of this table, a word of caution as they are seventh on the average goals per match table. This means their attackers need to work on their finishing.

    Sundowns (5.1) and Pirates (4.7) are second and third, respectively. But spare a thought for supporters of Stellenbosch whose team have the lowest average number of shots (1.7) in a game in the whole league.

  • Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Magesi FC, September 2025Backpagepix

    Average possession won in final third - Mamelodi Sundowns (3.7)

    The team you most associate with pressing, The Brazilians, are masters of winning the ball off the opponent when they are deep in their own half. However, Richards Bay (3.7) are matching them and TS Galaxy (3.5) aren't too far behind either.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Mokibelo Ramabu of Polokwane CityBackpagepix

    Average accurate crosses per match - Polokwane City (5.8)

    Rise and Shine's wingers should be getting a decent performance bonus coming their way as they are providing the best supply line in the league. Sekhukhune (5.1) are second, with Kaizer Chiefs (4.6) and Richards Bay are joint third.

  • Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    Average tackles per match - Orlando Pirates (16.9)

    It is no surprise to see the best defence in the league, with only three goals conceded, leading the way on this metric. The Bucs are voracious without the ball and rarely give an opponent a moment to settle before they are on him. Also no surprise to see Sundowns (16.3) close behind them but Kaizer Chiefs (14.4) in ninth need to up their press and their aggression in getting the ball back.

  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    Average saves per match - Golden Arrows (3.7)

    Abafana Bes'thende goalkeepers need to have a word with their defenders who are letting opponents shoot on target the most often in the league. On the other end of the scale, Kaizer Chiefs (1.6), Mamelodi Sundowns (1.5) and Orlando Pirates (1.4) keepers are basically on holiday.
  • Bradley Grobler, Sekhukhune United, September 2025Backpage

    Bonus stats

    Everybody seems consumed by xG (Expected Goals) these days so even though there are an uneven spread of matches played, we will give in to fan obsession and reveal the highest xG in the league is Mamelodi Sundowns with 16.1 but they have played more matches in which to accumulate chances than anyone else. Sekhukhune United (13.2) sit second and Kaizer Chiefs (11.8) sit third although their actual goal tally of eight is just about the worst return in the league.

0