DSTV Prem Performance Review – Sundowns v Chiefs & Pirates v Swallows

As the DSTV Premiership returned after the international break, teams had the opportunity to continue where they left off or even perhaps start their campaign from scratch again. In addition, it also allowed the fans a glimpse into any new signings that were made as the transfer window closed in the middle of the break. Analysing the big matches of Gameweek 3, Laduma Analytics brings you the low down on the team’s performance.

DSTV Prem Weekend Review – Winners And Losers By OptaJabu

Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs

Whilst the result was positive for Sundowns as they beat Chiefs 2:0 at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, their performances of late remain somewhat questionable as they again managed to score just 0.97 xG. To put this into perspective, yes, their chance creation is higher than what it has been but not up to scratch with what the champions produced on average last season – 1.77 xG per game.

Shots and Creativity

Of the 12 shots, they let Kaizer Chiefs have, they were lucky that Chiefs failed to create any real threatening chances. Samir Nurkovic had a few decent attempts at goal, but headers are a difficult way to direct at goal, never mind score.

In terms of creativity, which players on each side were the most threatening in their ability to move the ball into dangerous areas?

For AmaKhosi it was Keagan Dolly and Njabulo Blom as they linked up well together and also with Nange whilst goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma sent long balls forward to Nurkovic to create opportunities going forward.

For Downs, there was lots of interconnectivity between the players in the middle of the park, especially between Coetzee and Jali as well as on both flanks. However, the only three to create any real threat for the team going forward were Jali, Lakay and Sirino.

Andile Jali

Whilst Lyle Lakay hugged the left flank as he so often does and created opportunities down the wing it was Andile Jali again showing why he is such a valuable member of the Downs midfield. The way he was able to move the ball around from deep and create opportunities going forward for the attacking players was exceptional. The map below shows all his passes (accurate and inaccurate) from the game.

Orlando Pirates v Swallows FC

This was Pirates first win of the new league season and earned them revenge on the team that knocked them out of the MTN 8 last month. Whilst both teams had three shots each from inside the box, it was a low chance creation game as the map below shows. However, the Buccs can use this win as a concrete building block for their next upcoming games. They face Chippa United next, followed by games against possession orientated teams in defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City FC.

The players creating the most threat for Pirates going forward were defenders Hlatshwayo, captain Jele and midfielder Mabaso, highlighting the difficulty that the attacking players had breaking Swallows FC down. After all, it took the team 12 minutes from time and through substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa to take all three points.

Considering Swallows lost only two games during the entire 2020/21 league campaign, Pirates put a big dent into Brandon Truter’s troops to achieve that feat again. They have now 4 points through 1W, 1D and 1L and it is difficult to see how they will take maximum points from their upcoming fixtures against SuperSport Utd, Cape Town City FC and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.