With Orlando Pirates having all week to review their first half of the Betway Premiership season, they will do so having enjoyed a rare wave of luck in matters relating to red cards at this stage of the season.
Pirates have had no one sent off so far this season in the league after 15 matches, which doubles up as the halfway peg.
They share that seat with Polokwane City and Golden Arrows.
READ: Polokwane City suffer severe 'punishment'
Notable is the fact that this is the first time Jose Riveiro has seen none of his players given marching orders at the halfway stage since taking over in June 2022.
In his first season, Thabiso Monyane was shown red in the ninth league match, while Thabang Monare marched from the bench at game number 11 last term.
This has meant minus health-related reasons, Riveiro has had the luxury of having all his players available for selection as Pirates seek to wrestle the league title from Mamelodi Sundowns and if not then put in a strong challenge.
Only Nkosinathi Sibisi has turned into a yellow card magnet with eight to his name in just 14 appearances.
Through the PSL era years, Pirates have had regular dismissals in the first half of the season in the league with Jerry Sikhosana, Dumisa Ngobe, Phiri Tsotetsi, Phumlani Mkhize, Jean-Yves Kerjean (coach), Gift Leremi (twice), Papi Khomane, James Mothibi, Edward Malinga, and Benedict Vilakazi in the first 10 years of the PSL era.
In the second decade of the PSL era years, it was Isaac Chansa, Lehlohonolo Seema, Cavaan Sibeko, Dikgang Mabalane, Benni McCarthy, Ruben Cloete, Thabo Matlaba, and Lehlohonolo Masalesa all sent off at some point in league matches played in the first half of the season.
READ: 'Where did Helman Mkhalele find these players?'
Then, in the six years before Riveiro took over, Jackson Mabokgwane, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Mthokozisi Dube, Thembinkosi Lorch, Happy Jele, and Ntsikelelo Nyauza have all gone for an early shower before the halfway mark of the league season.
Whether that rare wave of luck with red cards in the league builds up to any advantage for Pirates will only be determined by what happens in the rest of the season.
So far, league leaders Sundowns have not been shaken by the issue of red cards due to their squad depth.