Top Shot Takers in the PSL

Among the standout performers, we also have the PSL’s most prolific shot-takers – players whose relentless efforts to find the back of the net help their team win matches.

There are the players who prefer precision strikes whilst others try audacious long-range efforts. There are some well-known strikers in the PSL, yet oftentimes – the ones who shoot the most, don’t always score the most goals. Let’s delve into the players who have taken the most shots so far in this 2024/25 campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs are the team to have taken the most shots as a team with 135 efforts in front of the goal. The next closest team is currently 20 shots behind them – Sekhukhune United and third for the most effort at goal (Orlando Pirates – 114).

This piece showcases the shooting volume, accuracy, and expected goals (xG). Let’s break down each player’s performance based on their shot maps.

6. Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)

• Shots Taken: 19, with 11 on target (58% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 5%, resulting in 1 goal.
• Expected Goals (xG): 0.76, slightly underperforming.
• Observations: Appollis’s shot map indicates a mix of speculative long-range efforts and closer in box attempts. With Polokwane City playing well and scoring 10 goals in 10 games, the striker finally opened his account against Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend. His struggle with efficiency of late may be over and could see his conversion rate climb again.

5. Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates)

• Shots Taken: 19, with 11 on target (58% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 11%, netting 2 goals.
• Expected Goals (xG): 2.07, performing as expected.
• Observations: Nkota’s shot map emphasizes close-range attempts with a major lean to the right-hand side of the box. A mix of long-range efforts are also present.

4. Etiosa Ighodaro (AmaZulu FC)

• Shots Taken: 21, with 13 on target (62% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 14%, scoring 3 goals.
• Expected Goals (xG): 2.39, slightly underperforming against his xG.
• Observations: Ighodaro is a clinical finisher, with shots predominantly inside the box. His shot map reflects a player targeting high-value areas, which aligns with his efficient scoring record.

3. Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

• Shots Taken: 24, with 17 on target (71% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 12%, converting 3 goals.
• Expected Goals (xG): 1.81, showing he exceeds his xG expectations.
• Observations: Whilst Chiefs take the most shots, Shabalala is their highest shot-taker. He demonstrates sharp accuracy and efficiency, converting more than expected. His shot map indicates versatility in attacking positions, with a notable cluster in high-probability areas.

2. Motebang Sera (Royal AM)

• Shots Taken: 25, with 14 on target (56% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 8%, resulting in 2 goals.
• Expected Goals (xG): 2.66, aligning closely with his actual output.
• Observations: Sera’s shots are concentrated inside the box, with a few long-range efforts from distance. Despite the off-field issues at Royal AM, Sera performs near his xG expectation and could improve finishing consistency with time.

1. Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United)

• Shots Taken: 26, with 20 on target (77% accuracy).
• Shot Conversion Rate: 4%, scoring just 1 goal.
• Expected Goals (xG): 2.03, indicating he is underperforming relative to his opportunities.
• Observations: Makgalwa’s shot map shows a high frequency of shots, especially around the penalty area and also outside the box. Despite good accuracy in hitting the target, his conversion rate suggests a lack of clinical finishing.

Conclusion

This group of shot takers highlights a mix of volume shooters and clinical finishers. While players like Shabalala and Ighodaro balance accuracy with efficiency, others like Makgalwa and Appollis have room for improvement in converting their chances. These insights underline the importance of not just creating opportunities but maximizing them to make a tangible impact for their team.