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Leonard Tsipa

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been experiencing a goal drought over the years, with the average number of goals scored per match dropping for a third-year running.

Only 450 goals were scored in the 240 matches played in the 2016 league campaign that ended last month. This was at an average of 1.88 goals per match.

League champions Caps United scored a total of 42 goals in 30 games, with striker Leonard Tsipa emerging as the league’s top scorer with his 11 goals.

The 20-goal mark was last breached by Gunners’ Norman Maroto in the 2010 season when he netted 22 times. Since then, the league’s top scorers have struggled.

The average 1.88 goals per match this season is a drop from the 2.09 average in the 2015 season during which 502 goals were scored in 240 matches.

In the 2015 season, champions Chicken Inn scored 45 goals in their 30 games, while Highlanders’ Knox Mutizwa scooped the golden boot award with 14 goals.

Dynamos were the 2014 champions, having scored 34 goals. However, 526 goals were scored in the 240 matches at an average of 2.19 per game. Highlanders’ Charles Sibanda and Kudakwashe Musharu of Shabanie Mine then were the top scorers with 12 goals each.

The highest average number of goals per match recorded since 2010 was 2.36 in the 2013 season during which 567 goals were scored. Dynamos were champions and managed only 43 goals off 30 matches. The then Chicken Inn striker Tendai Ndoro was the top goal scorer with 18 goals.

In the 2012 season, 556 goals were scored at an average of 2.2 goals per match. Champions Dynamos managed 58 goals in a season in which Shabanie Mine’s Nelson Mazivisa claimed the golden boot with 18 goals.

In 2011, Rodreck Mutuma of Dynamos took the golden boot with 14 goals in a season that saw 516 goals being scored at an average of 2.15 goals per match. Dynamos were champions and scored 42 goals in 30 games.

The 2010 season saw 510 goals being scored at an average of 2.13 goals per match when the now defunct Motor Action were crowned champions.

They scored a total of 52 goals and Gunners’ Maroto top scored with 22 goals.

It is goals that entice fans to the games and it is no surprise that most PSL games are played in empty stadiums. It’s just inconceivable how a team can score only 42 goals from 30 matches and win the championship. Maybe the top goal scorer award should now only be presented to a player that breaches the 20-goal mark.

@khumzallen