Opta Jabu Newsletter #8: 10 records Sundowns can still target
The Brazilians are three games away from an invincible season, but even if they don't make it, there are many other records at stake.
Sundowns beat Royal AM 2-0 on Tuesday night to inch closer to an unprecedented unbeaten campaign. The win took them to 69 points, just a couple of points behind the famed 71-point record. In the process, they also equalled the PSL record for unbeaten away games (25). Much has been written about the records that Sundowns’ have broken this season, but it’s worth jogging the memory because some of these were set so early in the season.
Five records set by Sundowns this season
11 consecutive wins by a top-flight side from the start of a PSL season
39 points from 15 games, a new half-way record in a 30-game campaign
52 points from 20 games, equaling the record for the fastest team to 50 points (also done by 22/23 downs)
Downs became the first team to go 51 games without defeat (record was 31)
They have gone unbeaten in 27 games from the start of the season (record was 21)
With the league done and dusted, and just three games remaining, one would forgive Rulani Mokwena for resting some players and giving other fringe players minutes. But the truth of the matter is there is a lot still to play for when it comes to records. The era of Sundowns’ dominance is in its 7th year, and it becomes a bit difficult to distinguish one title from the other. Statistics and records can help us in that regard. Indeed, there are some unique records in store for Sundowns to make 2023/24 a truly unique season.
Ten Records in sight for Sundowns:
Most points (71 - Sundowns on 69)
The shining target in distance that everyone can see and is talking about is the points total. Downs need two points in three games to equal the 30-game record (71), and three to set an outright new record. Incredibly, a 78-point total is still attainable.
Most wins (22 - Sundowns on 21)
Another less-talked-about target, but the foundation of a record-breaking season is the number of wins. 22 wins have been done only once before in the 30-game PSL era, and that was by Sundowns in the 2015/16 season. One more win equals that, and two sets a new record.
Most league doubles in a season (8 - Sundowns on 7)
The home & away wins across 3-days against Royal AM was Sundowns’ seventh league double of the season. Only 1996/97 Manning Rangers and 2015/16 Sundowns have completed more doubles in the same PSL campaign (both 8).
Fewest goals conceded (11 - Sundowns on 9)
For 20 years, the paragon of defensive solidity has been the 2003/04 Kaizer Chiefs side that conceded 11 goals in an entire season. That team conceded more goals in their final six games (6) than they did in the first 24 (5). Downs have a 2-goal window to equal that record, and one-goal to set a new one.
Clean sheets (21 - Sundowns on 19)
In the same vein, the clean sheet record is well within reach. The same 11-goal conceding Chiefs kept a remarkable 21 clean sheets, a total Sundowns can match with two more, and surpass if they don’t concede at Stellies, TS Galaxy, and home to Cape Town City.
Goals scored (56 - Sundowns on 50)
After 27 games of the 2021/22 season, Sundowns had scored 52 goals. A 1-1 draw and a 3-2 win on Matchday 28 and Matchday 30 took their season total to 56, a new record for a 30-game season. Downs need six goals in 3 games to equal that, and seven to set a new marker.
Goal difference (+39 - Sundowns on +41)
The saying goes “Goals win matches, defences win titles.” But we can add a third line - Both bring you a massive Goal Difference. Ok, that doesn’t rhyme but you get the point.
Gap between 1st and 2nd (16 - Downs on 19)
This is one gap that can highlight how far teams are from challenging Sundowns next season. In the last two campaigns, Sundowns have ended the season 16 points better off than the team in second. It’s guaranteed to be 13+ this season, but the last fortnight will tell how far that stretches.
Gap between 1st and last (46 - Downs on 50)
Look away Cape Town Spurs fans. This gape is guaranteed to be 44+ points this season, and the last fortnight will tell how far that stretches. One more Sundowns win (or one Spurs defeat) sets a new record.
Invincibility (never done before)
That one is self-explanatory. Avoid defeat in 3 games. They play Stellies (the only team to lead Sundowns this season, and the last domestic team to beat them), TS Galaxy (there seems to be a grudge between the coaches), and round off at home to Cape Town City. Exciting times (for Sundowns fans).
