Ten Records Set By Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu

Two things are certain – AmaZulu are currently the South African soccer team of the moment. Benni McCarthy is currently the man of the moment. The KZN side have turned what looked like a title procession for Sundowns into potentially one of the most thrilling and unlikely title races of recent years. With just five games to play, Usuthu’s push may be coming a little late – and should they come short in their bid to pip Sundowns to the title, they may rue not hiring Benni McCarthy at the beginning of the season. Whatever happens going forward, Benni’s team have brought fresh air to a title race that was starting to look stale, as soon as Supersport and Swallows started dropping points at the beginning of the year.

However, Sundowns will know that they are still in control. If AmaZulu were to lose their 26th game against Arrows and Sundowns win their games scheduled for the coming days, they could be 10 points ahead before AmaZulu kick a ball in their 27th game at home to Baroka. We dug through the numbers to highlight 10 records that have been set by Benni McCarthy and his AmaZulu side this season, underlining the impact the coaching and playing staff have had – with or without a trophy.

1. Benni’s 15-game start

67% – McCarthy won 10 of his first 15 league games in the AmaZulu dugout (W10 D4 L1). The 67% win rate is the best 15-game start for a coach in the club’s PSL history and the first above 50%. The previous best was Roger Palmgren, 47% in 2010/11.

2. Successive Clean Sheets

6 – Between 2 March and 21 April, AmaZulu kept six consecutive clean sheets in the top-flight for the first time in their PSL history.

3. Successive Wins (club)

6 – Between 17 February and 9 April, AmaZulu went on a run of six successive league wins – a first for the club in their PSL history.

4. Successive wins (season)

5 & 6 – The KwaZulu-Natal side became the first side to win five, and then six, consecutive league games this season. Only one side in the last five seasons (Chiefs 2019/20, 8) have won 6+ successive games in one season.

5. Most Points Since McCarthy

41 – AmaZulu have won more matches (12) and collected more points (41) than any other top-flight side since Benni McCarthy took over in December 2020.

6. Club Record Points Total

47 – AmaZulu have won 47 points already this season, and are already guaranteed to finish with their highest ever points tally in a PSL season (previous best 42 in 2008/9 and 2013/14).

7. Longest Unbeaten Run (club)

15 – AmaZulu are currently unbeaten in 15 league games (W11 D4) the longest unbeaten run in the club’s PSL history (previously 10 games in 2010/11).

8. Top 8 Guaranteed

8 – The victory over Cape Town City and Baroka & Chiefs defeats during the week also guaranteed AmaZulu’s Top 8 finish for the season.

9. Most Goals In a Match In the Club’s History

5 – Usuthu scored five goals against Cape Town City during the week, equalling their record for most goals in a league game (5 also in 1999/00 v Mother City & 2014/15 v Supersport). 

10. Most Scorers In a League Match

5 – The 5-1 win over Cape Town City saw five different scorers – Augustine Mulenga, Thapelo Nyongo, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Luvuyo Memela and Siyethemba Sithebe – the first time Usuthu had so many different goalscorers in a league match.