Soweto derby debutants Khama Billiat and Vincent Pule managed to get on to the scoresheet as Orlando Pirates came from behind to defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Orlando Pirates:
Siyabonga Mpontshane: 7/10
Showed great awareness to deny a goalbound Billiat when he charged out of his area, but was arguably at fault for the opener as he failed to deal with Walusimbi’s ball into the area.
Happy Jele: 8/10
Marshalled the Pirates defence superbly, but was let down by fellow partner Munetsi in a crucial moment which led to Billiat’s goal. Made a fine last-ditch tackle to deny Billiat the easiest of tap-ins.
Marshall Munetsi: 6/10
Struggled to deal with the cohesiveness of the Chiefs attack and was largely to blame for Billiat’s opener. Gained confidence as Pirates upped their tempo.
Abbubaker Mobara: 7/10
Had a solid game in attack as well as defence. Showed excellent awareness to limit the combination of Walusimbi and Parker on the left-hand side, while providing ample support in attack for Lorch and Mulenga.
Innocent Maela: 8/10
Showed his usual willingness to get forward in the opening quarter of the game. Did well to thwart the attacking combination of Rhama and Billiat. Scored a striker-esque header to give his side the equaliser.
Xola Mlambo: 8/10
Along with Motshwari, was largely responsible for Bucs’ excellent shape throughout the game. Came out on top in his personal deal with Chiefs midfielder Ntshangase.
Ben Motshwari: 9/10
Was excellent in both attack and defence, breaking down Lorch in attack at will. The combination of him and Mlambo seems to be growing in stature each and every game. Arguably had the best game out of everyone on the pitch.
Vincent Pule: 8/10
Looked a man of a mission for a goal in his Soweto derby debut and deservedly managed to get on to the scoresheet. His direct nature caused the Chiefs defence all sorts of troubles.
Thembinkosi Lorch: 7/10
Wasn’t his usual industrious self, but certainly aided the Buccaneers in attack.
Justin Shonga: 6/10
Barring a missed penalty in the first half, the Zambian had a good game, keeping the Chiefs defensive duo of Booysen and Ngezana on their toes. Excellent off-the-ball movement and linked up well with countryman Mulenga. Missed an absolute sitter to put the game beyond any doubt.
Augustine Mulenga: 7/10
Had a great game, and altered his game upon sniffing the weakness within the Chiefs defence. The combination of him and Shonga worked to Pirates’ benefit.
Substitutes:
Linda Mntambo: 6/10
Came on to good effect to stabilise the Pirates midfield. Did well in holding up the ball, which was needed from Pirates at the time.
Paseka Mako: N/A
Too little time for a rating
Mpho Makola: N/A
Too little time for rating.
Kaizer Chiefs:
Itumeleng Khune: 6/10
Despite saving Shonga’s spot-kick, the Bafana Bafana No 1 didn’t have the greatest of games by his standards. Will feel let down by his defenders for their failure to protect him in the two goals.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele: 7/10
Offered ample support in attack, but was caught out napping a few times in defence. As always, needs to work on his delivery into the area.
Siyabonga Ngezana: 6/10
Gave away the ball cheaply early on and it was indicative of what was to come. Had an absolutely torrid time in trying to deal with Zambian attacking duo Mulenga and Shonga, giving away a penalty for a foul on Mulenga.
Mario Booysen: 5/10
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United defender seemed to fade into the background in his derby debut, leaving defensive partner Ngezana to do all the dirty work. Did a great job of winning most of his aerial battles.
Godfrey Walusimbi: 6/10
Proved lively in attack in the first 20 minutes of the clash, but when pinned back on the defensive by the likes of Lorch and Mulenga, the Ugandan showed his frailties.
Willard Katsande: 7/10
Had quite a lively game in both attack and defence. There were times when the Chiefs midfield dominated and him and Ntshangase pulled the strings, however, it was more Pirates doing the dictating. Did well in getting stuck in.
Siphelele Ntshangase: 5/10
When Chiefs were on the up, he looked good, but when the momentum swung in the favour of Pirates, he seemed to fizzle to the background. Needs to be a tad more direct at times, releasing the ball sooner in the final third.
Dumisani Zuma: 6/10
Gave Chiefs a direct dimension in the final third, but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. Needs to get position himself in the six-yard area more.
Khama Billiat: 6/10
Didn’t have the greatest of games as Pirates had clearly prepared for the threat of the Zimbabwean. Managed to get on to the scoresheet in his derby debut following a stroke of luck.
Leonardo Castro: 5/10
Worked tirelessly as the man upfront, but failed to get a sniff at goal with Jele and Munetsi sticking to him like glue.
Bernard Parker: 7/10
The veteran Chiefs attacker show his class and experience as he led from the front. He played a vital role in the opener, leaving Munetsi stranded with a defence-splitting pass.
Substitutes:
Hendrick Ekstein: 6/10
Tried to impose himself on the game, but came on at a time where Pirates were at their best. Can’t be faulted for his effort, but needs to be more productive in the final third.
Ryan Moon: 6/10
Was brought on to give Chiefs a different dynamic upfront, but succeeded in looking like a headless chicken with his introduction. Chiefs did not attempt to alter their game to suit Moon’s direct style of play (crosses and balls in over the top).
Kabelo Mahlasela: 7/10
Was the most impressive player of the Chiefs substitutes. Looked hungry and willing to take risks where others didn’t want to. Chiefs fans should be buoyed by his cameo appearance.
Photo: Gallo Images
