Orlando Pirates went into the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday with an unbeaten Betway Premiership record and without conceding a goal from open play that season. They had let in only one goal in eight league matches.
Defensive record
The only goal Orlando Pirates had conceded came from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu in August, when Zimbabwean forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored. Since that draw, Orlando Pirates had kept six consecutive clean sheets.
League standings
That draw with AmaZulu was the only time Orlando Pirates had dropped points in the league that season. Orlando Pirates had a Betway Premiership record of W7 D1, while Mamelodi Sundowns stood at W7 D2 and Kaizer Chiefs at W3 D5, with all three clubs still unbeaten in the campaign.
Goals and goal difference
Orlando Pirates had scored 19 goals, the second-highest tally in the league behind Mamelodi Sundowns' 23. Orlando Pirates had the best goal difference in the competition at +18, three better than Mamelodi Sundowns, while Kaizer Chiefs had the third-most goals in the league with 13.
Other defensive numbers
Lamontville Golden Arrows had conceded four goals, the next-best defence behind Orlando Pirates. Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs had each conceded eight times.
