The only thing missing was goals
A lack of goals soured what could have been a classic match as the Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates played to a draw in the Absa Premiership on Saturday afternoon. Phakaaathi’s Sibongiseni Gumbi was there and this is how he rated the perfor
Kaizer Chiefs Itumeleng Khune - 7
He was his usual self, alert to danger and quick to respond. He did his part but was never really called to make big saves. Was beaten by Thabo Qalinge’s scorcher in the second half only for the ball to ricochet off the cross bar.
Daniel Cardoso – 6
Went about his business quietly but did well to hold his position in the Chiefs defence even when Pirates’ wingers switched sides. Never gave anything for the team going forward but could be forgiven as Bucs were pushing them back.
Philani Zulu – 5
Did his duties well but was caught out of position a few times in the first half, forcing Erick Mathoho to cover for him. He didn’t do much to help the team going forward.
Erick Mathoho – 6
Was solid at the back and used his height well to shield Pirates’ pint sized striker Thabiso Kutumela and force him to play from a wide angle. Was tasked with man marking Thamsanqa Gabuza later on and ensured he didn’t cause any harm.
Siyabonga Ngezana – 6
The youngster held his own and you could hardly see he was the least inexperienced in the team. He came close to scoring but was unfortunate to see his header hit the upright with Wayne Sandilands beaten. He was later substituted as he suffered cramps.
Joseph Molangoane – 7
Worked tirelessly helping out in defence and also trying to launch quick counter attacks but hardly had anyone to support him. He was one of the better performers on the day.
Hendriek Ekstein – 4
So much was expected of him after an impressive showing in the previous game. But except for a few deft touches that got the fans going he was anonymous. He was taken off for Gustavo Paez in the 55th minute.
Willard Katsande – 6
He was the ever reliable work horse. He was too focused on defensive duties and hardly went forward which somehow allowed Pirates to easily win balls and come back for more.
George Maluleka – 5
He was overshadowed by Pirates’ Issa Sarr and tried to unshackle himself a few times with some good touches but was not as influential as he would be expected to be.
Siphiwe Tshabalala – 5
It was a big occasion for him as he was playing his 30th career derby but failed to shine with even his freekicks on the day leaving much to be desired. Got a chance to steal the show with a late free kick but his effort was tame.
Bernard Parker – 6
He worked his socks off but was mostly isolated as Chiefs sat back and could not do much to unlock the Pirates defence on his own. He was later substituted for Gustavo Paez.
Subs:
Gustavo Paez – 5
Came on with 35 minutes to play but hardly made an impact. He helped in forcing Pirates Innocent Maela back for a while. Could have scored after coming on but opted to pass to Tshabalala when he only had the keeper to beat.
Wiseman Meyiwa – 6
Gave a disciplined performance and stabilised things in midfield when Katsande was forced into the centre back position following Ngezana’s injury. He launched a few good balls forward but hardly followed them through.
Ryan Moon
Came on for Parker with six minutes left, not on long enough to be rated.
Orlando Pirates Wayne Sandilands – 7
Is what Pirates have been missing at the back – an organiser. He wasn’t really called into making big saves but organised his wall well when Amakhosi got a free kick.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza – 7
Did his defensive duties well and also helped in attack especially in the first half. He found himself one-on-one with Khune in one instance but rifled his shot to the side netting.
Innocent Maela – 8
What a classy player he is proving to be. He hardly put a foot wrong and his crosses were accurate but could not reach Kutumela as he was overshadowed by Mathoho. He tired towards the end and didn’t go forward much, which allowed Amakhosi to attack.
Justice Chabalala – 8
He justified his inclusion in this big match with a solid performance at the back. He formed an immediate understanding with Mobara and managed to thwart whatever attempt Amakhosi made through the middle.
Abubaker Mobara – 7
He didn’t have much to do but almost cost the team with reckless tackles. He went about his business quietly and had Parker in his back pocket.
Thabo Matlaba – 8
Playing in a right wing position, Matlaba proved his versatility and kept Zulu busy the whole afternoon and did well in sending passes rather than crosses into the Amakhosi area. He could have done a lot better though with the space given by Zulu.
Thabo Qalinge – 8*
He was enjoying himself and started doing tricks from the first whistle but sometimes that unnecessarily slowed the game down and allowed Amakhosi to compose themselves. He was unlucky not to score with an impressive scissors kick in the second half, his ball hitting the cross bar with Khune beaten.
Issa Sarr – 8
He was given a rare start since Micho took over and showed his experience as he bossed the midfield, forcing Katsande back to defend the whole game. He could have scored on a few occasions but let Amakhosi off the hook with his indecision.
Mpho Makola – 7
He is one player with a lot of unfulfilled potential. He played with confidence and using Sarr as his shield managed to get into good spaces but should have taken more shots at goal.
Thabo Rakhale – 7
You could see he has not played in a while and just wanted to get the job done without adding his fancy signature into anything. He carved some space in the Chiefs defence but failed to build an understanding with Kutumela upfront.
Thabiso Kutumela – 5
Handed a rare start ahead of Gabuza in the derby, he struggled to get the better of Mathoho who used his height to his advantage. He ended up running into wide spaces trying to unsettle the Amakhosi defensive line but it didn’t work. He was substituted for Morrison early in the second half.
Subs: Bernard Morrison – 7
He troubled the Amakhosi defence with his straight runs aimed at carving them open but lacked the support and found himself alone with at least three defenders on him in some occasions. He had the ball in the Chiefs net, but replays clearly showed he had used his hand.
Thamsanqa Gabuza – 6
He was used as an impact player but he struggled to get into the rhythm of the game and went a bit too wide most of the time instead of battling the defenders in the box as he is known to do.
Thembinkosi Lorch – 5
Came on with 10 minutes to play but hardly made an impact as the Buccaneers seemed to be tiring and content to play for a draw.
*Indicates Man-of-the-Match.