Pirates top at Xmas for first time in 21 years

Sunday’s goalless draw between TS Galaxy and Kaizer Chiefs brought down the curtain on Betway Premiership action for the year, heralding a six-week break before the action resumes on 20 January.

It is the first time in 21 years that Orlando Pirates top the table at Christmas. They last did so in 2004 when they made an unbeaten 13-match run from the start of the season to Xmas under coach Kosta Papic.

They would go on to 17 matches unbeaten before losing to SuperSport United and going on to be pipped at the post by arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who took the league title by two points.

This time round, Pirates lead defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns by two points with a game in hand. They sit on 28 points.

They have a 2.33 points-per-game tally and if they keep up that rate will finish on 70 for the season. At Sundowns’ current rate they are heading for 60 points.

Despite playing the fewest games, Pirates have the most wins, with nine from 12 matches, two more than anyone else with Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu all on seven.

They also share with Sundowns the best goal difference of +13, ahead of Sekhukhune with +9. Eight clubs have a positive goal difference, while the worst is Chippa with -14.

Sundowns remain the best scoring side in the Betway Premiership even if this has not been their best season. Their tally of 20 goals averages out at an impressive 1.54 per game.

Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, and bottom of the table Chippa United have drawn six games each, the most by any of the 16 top-flight clubs. Chiefs have had four goalless draws in total, including the last two in a row.

Newly promoted Orbit College have been beaten nine times, but despite the worst losing record, are out of the relegation zone by virtue of their four wins and a draw too. Lamontville Golden Arrows, bottom side Chippa, and most surprisingly Stellenbosch have eight defeats.

Orbit also have the most goals conceded with 25, while Chippa (21) are next on the list.