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Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Orlando Pirates: Player Ratings

Khama Billiat Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates continued their recent dominance over Kaizer Chiefs with a 2-1 victory in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

It was more agony for Chiefs fans, who are now winless in 11 matches against their bitter rivals, a Soweto Derby record.

In this feature, ESPN rates the performance of the players on either side.

KAIZER CHIEFS

7 - Itumeleng Khune: Was not at fault for either goal and made a few good saves. Looked assured under the high ball.

5 - Rama Mphahlele: Failed to have much of an impact going forward and was sloppy in possession on a few occasions.

6 - Godfrey Walusimbi: Looked strong defensively but offered nothing going forward. Showed good positional awareness.

4 - Mario Booysen: Was at fault for the first Pirates goal as he missed the long kick from keeper Jackson Mabokgwane that allowed Vincent Pule to race clear and cross for Thembinkosi Lorch's goal.

Also missed an excellent headed chance late on that might have levelled the game.

4 - Siyabonga Ngezana: Was probably at fault for the second Pirates goal as he showed slow reactions and was then fortunate not to receive a red card for a blatant elbow on Justin Shonga.

5 - Willard Katsande: Pirates won the midfield battle and that ought to have been Katsande's area to shine.

5 - Lebo Manyama: His first game back after an elbow fracture, and it showed with some sloppy play. Failed to find his passing range and gave away cheap possession.

6 - George Maluleka: Probably did not see enough of him in the game but when on the ball he looked his usual accomplished self.

6 - Leonardo Castro: Took his goal very well with a typical poacher's effort in the six-yard box. Had a few other half-chances but failed to impose himself on the Pirates defence.

6 - Dumisani Zuma: Showed a few bursts of pace, but that was all. To be fair, his teammates didn't bring him into the game enough.

7 - Khama Billiat: As usual the standout player for Chiefs, but the simple fact is he does not have enough quality around him. Billiat in this Pirates side would be a different beast.

SUBSTITUTES

6 - Bernard Parker: The forward replaced Manyama in the second period, but could not alter the course of the game.

Kabelo Mahlasela and Adriamirado 'Dax' Adrianarimanana were not on long enough to earn a rating.

ORLANDO PIRATES

5 - Jackson Mabokgwane: Provided the long pass that resulted in the Pirates goal but then was hesitant for the Chiefs equaliser as he failed to read the play.

Looked terrible under the high ball and spilled plenty, but Chiefs were not sharp enough to capitalize.

5 - Happy Jele: Was partly at fault for the Chiefs goal as he allowed the ball to bounce in the penalty area and then hesitated as he expected Mabokgwane to collect.

He also appeared to bundle Manyama over in the box but nothing was given.

7 - Marshall Munetsi: Such a good defender, strong and with an exceptional work rate.

6 - Asavela Mbekile: Did his job, but offered little going forward.

6 - Innocent Maela: He tried to venture forward and looked dangerous on occasion.

6 - Musa Nyatama: Worked hard in the middle of the park and won the battle with Katsande.

7 - Xola Mlambo: Was his usual tidy self in possession and made some excellent passes. Was clearly targeted by the Chiefs players.

8 - Vincent Pule: The star of the show, he set up numerous opportunities and Chiefs simply could not handle his quality on the ball. Man of the Match.

7 - Thembinkosi Lorch: Took his goal brilliantly and linked up well with Pule throughout. Laid on a few chances himself.

6 - Justin Shonga: Was quiet until the final five minutes when he scored a fine goal and then almost curled in another. He had been anonymous for the first 85 minutes.

6 - Thabiso Kutumela: Worked hard but never really looked like a threat to Chiefs.

SUBSTITUTES

6 - Augustine Mulenga: Had some neat touches after coming on for Kutumela.

Mpho Makola and Caio Marcelo were not on long enough to earn a rating.