How derby boys rated
This past weekend’s Soweto derby was one of the most exhilarating in recent history, as matches between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have tended to fizzle out and not live up to expectations. With four goals scored on the day it made fans forget about the previous fixtures, as the Buccaneers won 3-1 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Tshepo Ntsoelengoe takes a look at the individual performances on derby day, and rates the players of the Buccaneers and Amakhosi.
Orlando Pirates Siyabonga Mpontshane – 6
Having not seen much game time this season, Mpontshane was a surprise inclusion ahead of Jackson Mabokgwane. The goalkeeper gave a good performance and one of his notable saves was denying Leonardo Castro in the second half.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza – 6
Nyauza has been impressive this season playing as a centreback and his partnership with Jele was solid. They did enough to keep the Chiefs attack from doing any damage.
Happy Jele – 6
His experience at the heart of the Bucs defence played a huge role and he made some decisive blocks, which would have been dangerous for Bucs had Chiefs managed to get through. He also did well to rally his players when defending.
Innocent Maela – 6
The leftback didn’t get a lot of runs going forward to bring in his classy crosses, but whenever he did there was some danger for the Chiefs defenders to deal with. He defended well too.
Mthokozisi Dube – 7
For a derby debutant, Dube showed nerves of steel and kept veteran winger Siphiwe Tshabalala in his pocket for most parts. The defender is growing in each and every game he plays for Bucs and his display shows just how much value he will add to the Bucs defence
in future.
Gladwin Shitolo – 5
Much was expected from Shitolo, but his performance was not what he normally gives. His contribution though can’t go unnoticed especially in defending, which helped Bucs thwart the Chiefs strikers.
Musa Nyatama – 8
Nyatama started slowly but ended very impressively, playing a huge role in helping Bucs get the second goal. He was the engine of the Pirates midfield and did very well in the second half.
Xola Mlambo – 5
Much was expected from Mlambo, but the skilful midfielder was overshadowed by Nyatama.
Thembinkosi Lorch – 7
Lorch just keeps on showing how important he is to Pirates and the opening goal he scored showed just how composed he can be inside the box. With him on attack, he always looked like he would do more damage to Chiefs’ defence.
Bernard Morrison – 4
This was one of the worst performances by Morrison, who seemed like he wasn’t himself on the day.
Justin Shonga – 7
One of the best performers for Pirates on the day, the Zambian is great on and off the ball and works really hard.
Subs Luvuyo Memela – 8
Memela might have not started, but coming on as a substitute and scoring two goals in the Soweto derby is not anything that many are capable of doing. He changed the complexion of the game and was the derby hero.
Mpho Makola - 5
Came on to replace Lorch, but was not really effective and although Pirates were already 3-1 up, he never got into the rhythm of the match.
Augustine Mulenga – No rating
Debuted for Bucs with three minutes left, so not enough time to earn a rating.
Kaizer Chiefs Itumeleng Khune – 5
Played with his heart – which can sometimes be his undoing. He conceded three goals for the first time this season, but the margin could have been worse had he not made some good saves to deny the likes of Dube and Memela later on.
Daniel Cardoso – 5
Started the game pretty well, and was very solid at the back until Pirates made a huge improvement in the second half.
Siyabonga Ngezana – 4
The youngster was having a difficult time trying to mark the Pirates and was always caught napping. His performance lacked inspiration before he was replaced in the 76th minute.
Ramahlwe Mphahele – 5
Was trying to hard to win the match for Chiefs by overlapping and trying to get in some crosses, but the balls either went straight to the goalkeeper or out of play.
Philani Zulu – 6
Had a decent game and showed some class, particularly in the first half. He often played some nice touches with his midfielders and often made some good runs to try and get the ball into the box.
Joseph Molangoane – 7
He was one of the brightest players for Chiefs with his silky skills leaving Pirates players Nyatama and Mlambo wanting. Molangoane played wide on the right, but came
into the centre to start an attack from midfield. But his final ball let him down.
Willard Katsande – 6
Many would say he is to blame for the first goal as he tried to clear the ball while on the ground which ended up in Lorch’s path and he scored. Katsande did manage to block some attacks from midfield, but he was not entirely himself.
Wiseman Meyiwa – 5
Meyiwa is another youngster with great potential. He looked quite comfortable on the ball. But he didn’t make much impact on the game.
Simphiwe Tshabalala – 6
Shabba was disappointing on the day as he failed to unsettle Mthokozisi Dube who was making his debut. He was however one of the more effective players for Chiefs.
Ryan Moon – 5
He seemed to be lost most of the time, probably because of the lack of ball supply. He was taken off in the 56th minute, with Bernard Parker taking his place.
Leonardo Castro – 7
Hit a brilliant equaliser and was a key member of the Chiefs attack. He holds the ball very well and always gives his midfielders options when they have the ball.
Subs Pule Ekstein - 5
Put on in the second half to try and help the team come back into the game. He tried to put his skill to good use but his short passes failed to break a solid Pirates defence.
Bernard Parker – 4
Another one who was found wanting on the day. Playing as a No 10, he failed to connect with Shabba and Paez up front.
Gustavo Paez – 3
Having not played in the team’s past three matches, he tried to make an impact but ended up running all over the field looking for the ball and had little or no effect on the match.