South African Data Scientist’s Predict FIFA World Cup Final Winner

Published: 12 July 2018

After the semi-finals and ahead of the last two games of the FIFA World Cup, South African based data analytics company, Principa, has announced their data-driven predictions for the final match scores.

Principa’s football world cup score predictions are done using predictive analytics and machine learning methods. The predictions have been submitted on Superbru.com with the purpose of seeing how well different predictive analytics techniques used successfully in other areas, can outperform the best human-made predictions. The best-performing algorithm uses the Bayesian Inference method. The model has been automated to adopt a machine learning approach in that it reselects variable and parameters every time it is run, adapting to how the world cup is unfolding. Results of games from previous rounds inform predictions for the next round and the model is proving more accurate than 99.96% of other Superbru predictions at this, after the semi-finals.

Principa have made their predictions available on their website: https://wonders.principa.co.za/principa-predicts-football-world-cup-2018

These predictions come after the model has been updated with the latest results from the knock-out rounds.

Principa have also created an overview of some of the more interesting insights discovered during the data preparations: https://wonders.principa.co.za/football-world-cup-2018-statistics

About Principa: Principa Decisions (Pty) Ltd. work wonders with data science to serve over 150 companies in 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and Europe.Principa’s data science solutions help customers answer questions about the past and present to anticipate future outcomes. Our data scientists, developers and consultants work together to develop data analytics products and solutions that derive answers, predictions and recommended actions from large and complex data. The data insights derived provide the information and knowledge from which to develop more effective strategies, increase efficiency and profitability and decrease cost and risk. 

Media enquiries: Estee Schroeder, 021 680 6341, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South African Data Scientist’s Beat 99.96% of FIFA World Cup Group Stage Predictions on Superbru.com

Published: 29 June 2018

After a FIFA World Cup group stage full of upsets, the South African data scientists at Principa are currently outranking 99.96% of people on popular sports predictor site, Superbru.

Principa’s football world cup score predictions are done using various predictive analytics methods. Each method’s predictions have been submitted on Superbru.com. The best-performing algorithm uses the Bayesian Inference method, utilising the latest betting odds. These predictions are updated when the latest odds are available, right before the start of a match. Using the latest available data is proving a successful strategy, as it outperforms predictions made by the same algorithm, minus these latest betting odds by 1%.

While Principa are expecting this to hold true for the remainder of the World Cup, they have made the predictions made by the Bayesian Inference model at this point in time available, on their website: https://wonders.principa.co.za/principa-predicts-football-world-cup-2018

These predictions come after the model has been updated with the latest results from the group stages. Principa will continue to post predictions on their website as well as via their Twitter (@PrincipaD) and Facebook accounts. A record of all predictions and the actual results will also be made available on the company's website.

Principa have also created an overview of some of the more interesting insights discovered during the data preparations: https://wonders.principa.co.za/football-world-cup-2018-statistics

About Principa: Principa Decisions (Pty) Ltd. work wonders with data science to serve over 150 companies in 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and Europe.Principa’s data science solutions help customers answer questions about the past and present to anticipate future outcomes. Our data scientists, developers and consultants work together to develop data analytics products and solutions that derive answers, predictions and recommended actions from large and complex data. The data insights derived provide the information and knowledge from which to develop more effective strategies, increase efficiency and profitability and decrease cost and risk.

Media enquiries: Estee Schroeder, 021 680 6341, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://www.principa.co.za/

Data Scientists in Top 8th Percentile For Football World Cup Predictions And Release 2nd Round Of Predictions

Published: 18 June 2018

Despite some unpredicted and surprising results during the first weekend in Russia, the South African data scientists at Principa are currently ranking in the top 8th percentile of popular sports predictor site, Superbru. Principa’s football world cup score predictions are done using predictive analytics and machine learning. By applying the same principles used to predict customer behaviour for Principa’s financial services and retail clients, the company’s data scientists are using different algorithms to develop models that can predict the exact score outcome of every match.

As the objective of machine learning is to develop models that can retrain themselves to adapt when exposed to new data, the algorithms will be re-trained with the results of each match to improve the accuracy of the following round’s generated prediction.

Before the start of Match day 2, the company has announced the data-driven predictions of the next matches. The predictions can be viewed on their website: https://wonders.principa.co.za/principa-predicts-football-world-cup-2018

Principa will continue to post predictions on their website as well as via their Twitter (@PrincipaD) and Facebook accounts. A record of all predictions and the actual results will also be made available on the company's website.Principa have also created an overview of some of the more interesting insights discovered during the data preparations: https://wonders.principa.co.za/football-world-cup-2018-statistics

About Principa: Principa Decisions (Pty) Ltd. work wonders with data science to serve over 150 companies in 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and Europe.Principa’s data science solutions help customers answer questions about the past and present to anticipate future outcomes. Our data scientists, developers and consultants work together to develop data analytics products and solutions that derive answers, predictions and recommended actions from large and complex data. The data insights derived provide the information and knowledge from which to develop more effective strategies, increase efficiency and profitability and decrease cost and risk.

Media enquiries: Estee Schroeder, 021 680 6341, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South African Data Scientists Announce Football World Cup Predictions for Group Stage

Published: 13 June 2018

Using predictive analytics and machine learning, South African based data analytics company, Principa, are predicting the results of this year’s FIFA Football World Cup. By applying the same principles used to predict customer behaviour for Principa’s financial services and retail clients, the company’s data scientists are using different algorithms to develop models that can predict the exact score outcome of every match.

As the objective of machine learning is to develop models that can retrain themselves to adapt when exposed to new data, the algorithms will be re-trained with the results of each match to improve the accuracy of the following round’s generated prediction.

Before the start of the World Cup in Russia on Thursday, the company has announced the data-driven predictions, which can be viewed on their website: https://wonders.principa.co.za/principa-predicts-football-world-cup-2018

Principa will continue to post predictions on their website as well as via their Twitter (@PrincipaD) and Facebook accounts. A record of all predictions and the actual results will also be made available on the company's website.

Principa have also created an overview of some of the more interesting insights discovered during the data preparations: https://wonders.principa.co.za/football-world-cup-2018-statistics

About Principa: Principa Decisions (Pty) Ltd. work wonders with data science to serve over 150 companies in 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and Europe.Principa’s data science solutions help customers answer questions about the past and present to anticipate future outcomes. Our data scientists, developers and consultants work together to develop data analytics products and solutions that derive answers, predictions and recommended actions from large and complex data. The data insights derived provide the information and knowledge from which to develop more effective strategies, increase efficiency and profitability and decrease cost and risk.

Media enquiries: Estee Schroeder, 021 680 6341, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Khaya takes accommodation at sport events to a new level

Published: 17 October 2016

As a leading provider of accommodation and logistic solutions at large sport events KhayaMedia is undergoing a rebranding. “Until now we were known as KhayaMedia but most clients refer to us as “Khaya, explains CEO Volkhard Bauer.  

In a short period of nine years this destination management company has become a household name amongst broadcasters and other media companies.  

The relaunch is a consequence of the broadening of the client base. The company now also provides services to corporate sponsors, sport federations and tour operators, as well as many other clients requiring accommodation and logistic solutions.  

“We provide everything from hotel rooms and serviced apartments to dedicated drivers and translators at large sport events,” explains Global Sales Director Rafael Sperotto.  

Word of the high levels of service Khaya provides has spread. This has resulted in new clients and exciting developments for the company.  

Understanding each country like a local   

Khaya currently has offices in nine countries around the world. This strategy ensures full control of the services provided and Khaya is able to maintain a high standard at international sporting events.  

Carefully selected local personnel are given comprehensive training and therefore clients benefit from dealing with local staff that speak the language and can bridge the cultural differences.  

With the strengthening of the teams at its offices in Seoul and Tokyo the company is ready to support its clients and is also open for cooperation with other companies seeking to move into these exciting territories.    

Unique accommodation solutions  

Sourcing suitable accommodation at a global event is a challenge for any visitor, and even more so for groups who have particular requirements. Khaya has demonstrated that it is able to find solutions for these challenges.  

“Rio was our biggest challenge so far,” reveals Volkhard. “Due to the lack of hotel rooms we turned 500 private apartments into fully serviced accommodation. It's been a great team effort.”  

All 55 clients at the Games were impressed with the quality and convenient location of the apartments, which were within walking distance to the Olympic Park and IBC. Khaya provided in excess of 50 000 room nights’ accommodation at Rio 2016. Together with the 20 000 room nights it secured for the UEFA EURO in France the company can look back at two events, where it proved its ability and strengthened its market position.  

Further afield, the company’s team in Moscow recently announced that it has concluded major deals with various hotel groups in preparation for the FIFA World Cup and is ready to supply a wide variety of accommodation as well as transport in all the host cities.  

News from Korea is that finding accommodation in PyeongChang is the biggest challenge for everyone planning to attend the Winter Games. However, Khaya in on track to fulfil the needs of broadcasters and Olympic Federations.  

New brand to be launched at SPORTELMonaco  

The new brand, name and logo, will be launched at the SPORTELMonaco Convention. “What will stay are our dedication and the red shirts our team is recognized by at large events,” says Rafael with a smile.  

SPORTELMonaco exhibitors and visitors will be able to meet the new Khaya at Stand A55.  

Ready for the future  

With the successful delivery at recent events in mind, Khaya is preparing for its next highlights.  

The upcoming events include:  

  • 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang
  • 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
  • 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
  • 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
  • 2020 UEFA EURO in Europe

Today Khaya looks forward to a bright future with its new name, new look, and a solid strategy to provide clients with exceptional service at major international events.