Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns in a crunch DStv Premiership clash on Saturday, with records on the line and the desire for revenge burning bright.
We round up the numbers on one of the classic clashes in South African football.
1 – Sundowns only lost one match in the entirety of the 2020/21 DStv Premiership season and that was at home to Chiefs. They led in that game too, before two quick Chiefs goals turned the tie.
2– Chiefs have lost their last two matches. They have not been beaten three times in a row since they lost four in succession in April 2022.
3– Chiefs have won three of their seven home games this campaign (D2 L2). They have collected more points on the road (13) but have played two more games.
4 – Chiefs and Sundowns’ biggest victory in this fixture in both 4-0. Chiefs claimed wins by that margin in 1987 and 1992, while Sundowns’ success was much more recent – their first league game this season.
4– Khama Billiat (Chiefs) and Thapelo Morena (Sundowns) are credited with the most assists for their teams this season. They have four each. Billiat is currently out injured.
The last time Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs met in the #DStvPrem it ended with a 4-0 scoreline and featured this stunning goal from Abubeker Nassir. Will we see the same this weekend? ?? pic.twitter.com/wU5t3QTNFA
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) January 19, 2023
5– The quartet of Donald Khuse, Chippa Molatedi, Thabo Mooki and Siyabonga Nomvethe have each scored five goals for Chiefs against Sundowns, the most in the National Soccer League (NSL) era.
6 – Sundowns have only conceded six goals from their 17 games in the league this season. Chiefs have conceded 20 from one fewer match (16).
7– Caleb Bimenyimana (Chiefs) and Peter Shalulile (Sundowns) are the leading scorers for their teams in the league this season. Both have seven goals. They are level with SuperSport United's Bradley Grobler in the Golden Boot race.
7– The most number of goals scored in a single fixture between the two sides. That was in a thrilling 4-3 win for Chiefs in the 2004/04 campaign.
7– Former Sundowns forward Lovemore Chafunya has scored the most goals for the club against Chiefs in the NSL era with seven. They were netted between 1985 and 1991. Current Sundowns star Peter Shalulile is closing in fast with five goals.
10– The last 10 meetings have seen Sundowns lead the head-to-head 5-2 with three matches drawn.
11 – Sundowns have won their last 11 DStv Premiership games in a row, equalling their own record set in the 2006/07 season under coach Gordon Igesund. Victory on Saturday would see them set a new mark.
16– Only Richards Bay (17) have taken more points on the road this season than Sundowns (160, though The Brazilians have played a game fewer).
19– The number of points that currently separate Sundowns and Chiefs in the league table. That could be 22 by the end of Saturday…
22 – Chiefs have recorded 22 wins in home matches against Sundowns since the formation of the NSL in 1985. The Brazilians have won half that number at Chiefs, 11, while there have been 16 draws.
27 – Sundowns have a +27 goal difference so far this campaign. Chiefs have -2 …
33– Nobody has come close to matching Sundowns’ tally of 33 goals scored in this league season. The next highest is SuperSport United with 20.
75 – The number of league meetings between Chiefs and Sundowns since the formation of the NSL. Chiefs narrowly lead the head-to-head with 29 wins to 25 for Sundowns. There have also been 21 draws. Chiefs have outscored their opponents 82-74.
104 – Chiefs and Sundowns will be meeting for the 104th time in all competitions since the formation of the NSL. Chiefs have claimed 41 wins to Sundowns’ 31, with another 31 games drawn. Chiefs have outscored their opponents 120-106.
2017 – Chiefs have not recorded a home win against Sundowns since April 2017, close on six years. On that occasion, Billiat scored for Sundowns. In their five matches played at home since then, there have been two draws and three defeats.