Chiefs have defensive record in their sights

One of the features of Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten Premier Soccer league season has been the number of goals they have concede – just eight so far in 18 matches.

It is a remarkable performance from the side and one that potential sets them on course for among the best ever 30-game seasons from a defensive point of view.

They would have to go some to beat the record for goals conceded which the club already holds when they conceded just 11 times in 30 matches on their way to winning the championship in the 2003/04 season.

If they keep up their current ration they will concede around 13 goals, which would not be enough for the record but would leave them in second place on the all-time list.

Orlando Pirates conceded only 16 times on their way to winning the title in the 2002/03 season, while Mamelodi Sundowns let in 17 goals in the 2006/07 campaign.

That’s in stark contrast to last season when the Brazilians conceded 25 goals but still claimed the title – the joint fourth most by a championship side.

While Chiefs conceded just 11 times in the 2003/04 season, they won the title the next year despite shipping a record 29 goals, a huge swing in their defence.

The difference that season was that they had a major weapon at the other end of the of the pitch as Collins Mbesuma tore up the PSL as he scored 25 goals in the league to lead AmaKhosi to the title.

GOALS CONCEDE BY CHAMPIONS – 30 GAME SEASON

2002/03: Orlando Pirates – 16
2003/04: Kaizer Chiefs – 11
2004/05: Kaizer Chiefs – 29
2005/06: Mamelodi Sundowns – 19
2006/07: Mamelodi Sundowns – 17
2007/08: SuperSport United – 26
2008/09: SuperSport United – 22
2009/10: SuperSport United – 25
2010/11: Orlando Pirates – 23
2011/12: Orlando Pirates – 26
2012/13: Kaizer Chiefs – 21
2013/14: Mamelodi Sundowns – 25