TFG SoccerClub rates the individual performances of the two teams as Orlando Pirates ran out 3-1 victors against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.

Siyabonga Mpontshane: 6/10

Wasn’t the most convincing display; however, he was hardly tested by Chiefs throughout the encounter and did nothing about Leonardo Castro’s bullet of a header.

Happy Jele: 7/10

Marshalled the Pirates defence superbly and did well to put his body on the line by denying Siphiwe Tshabalala what would have been a sure goal in the first half.

Ntsikelelo Nyauza: 7/10

Did well to match the aerial presence of Castro and Ryan Moon. Showed excellent pace and initiative for Pirates’ third goal.

Siyabonga Dube: 6.5/10

Put in a solid shift at right-back much like he has all season. Should have buried the game in the second half after getting on to the end of Justin Shonga’s cross; however, he failed to hit the target.

Innocent Maela: 6.5/10

Much like Dube, Maela was defensively sound for much of the game. Didn’t go on the overlap too much, largely due to Pirates absorbing Chiefs’ pressure.

Gladwin Shitolo: 6/10

Failed to establish himself in the midfield battle and was easily out-jumped by Castro for Chiefs’ equaliser. Had a much better showing in the second half.

Musa Nyatama: 7/10

Had an excellent showing in midfield and kept the ball moving for a Pirates squad who adapted a counter-attacking strategy.

Xola Mlambo: 7/10

Brought a sense of calmness and stability to the Bucs’ midfield. Kept it simple and looked good.

Thembinkosi Lorch: 8/10

Showed excellent reaction and skill to break the deadlock for Pirates by beating three players before slotting past Itumeleng Khune. Was Pirates’ go-to guy in attack.

Bernard Morrison: 7/10

A live wire for the home side in attack. Morrison occupied good positions, but his delivery in the final third left much to be desired.

Justin Shonga: 8/10

His off-the-ball movement was excellent, which allowed the likes of Lorch, Luvuyo Memela and Morrison to flourish. Showed his excellent awareness to assist Memela’s second.

Substitutes:

Luvuyo Memela: 9/10

Came on to excellent effect and gave Pirates the lead with his first touch of the ball. Added another with an electrifying counter-attacking move.

Mpho Makola: 7/10

Came on to add stability to the Bucs’ midfield and hardly set a foot wrong.

Augustine Mulenga: 8/10

The Zambian came on for his official Pirates debut and gave an impressive showing in his ten-minute cameo appearance.

Itumeleng Khune: 6/10

Not the worst performance by the Bafana Bafana international; however, he will feel largely to blame for Memela’s goal, having rushed out of his area when staying put would have been a better decision.

Daniel Cardoso: 6/10

Showed excellent leadership skills in marshalling the Chiefs’ defence and breaking down a number of Pirates attacks. He did, however, almost gift Pirates a goal, but fortunately for him, Daniel Bennet came to his rescue.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele: 5/10

The former Mamelodi Sundowns man struggled throughout the clash. Proved wasteful when putting crosses into the area and struggled to contain Memela.

Siyabonga Ngezana: 6/10

Struggled to track the runs of Morrison and Shonga, and often came off second best in his duels with the Zambian. Was left exposed in Pirates’ second and third goals.

Philani Zulu: 7/10

Chiefs’ best player in attack and defence. Tried to combine with the likes of Tshabalala and Hendrik Ekstein, but was let down by those further forward than him.

Joseph Molangoane: 5/10

Not the defender-cum-winger’s best of games. Was often caught napping in defence, but showed his offensive abilities with a few driving runs.

Willard Katsande: 6.5/10

Put in a solid contribution overall, but was largely at fault for the goal after his clearance fell kindly to Lorch.

Wiseman Meyiwa: 5/10

Had a decent first-half showing, but faded in the second half. Also wasted a great opportunity to find the equaliser, and completely fluffed his effort.

Siphiwe Tshabalala: 6/10

A disappointing showing from the seasoned midfielder. Struggled to impose himself in the final third and other than assisting Castro’s equaliser, he didn’t do much.

Ryan Moon: 5/10

His aggression and off-the-ball movement caused Pirates a few scares; however, the striker was let down by a lack of supply.

Leonardo Castro: 6/10

Was largely starved of supply in the first half, but displayed his predatory instincts in finding the equaliser for Chiefs with a well-taken header.

Substitutes:

Hendrik Ekstein: 5/10

Came on to make things happen for Chiefs in the midfield, but failed miserably. Often lost the ball cheaply.

Bernard Parker: 6/10

Also tried to make things happen for Chiefs in the final third and almost reduced the deficit with an effort late on.

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