Orlando Pirates 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns Player Ratings - Sundowns lift MTN 8 Title as Matuludi & Ndamane Excel
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the MTN 8 final on Saturday, clinched by standout performances from captain Ronwen Williams and Man of the Match Thabang Matuludi. Williams made a crucial penalty save and routine stops, while Matuludi assisted the opener and provided solid defence. Key players like Khulumani Ndamane and Teboho Mokoena also starred. The article provides detailed ratings for each starting player and substitute, highlighting their significant roles in securing the trophy.
- Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 to win the MTN 8 final.
- Ronwen Williams' crucial penalty save and Thabang Matuludi's performance were pivotal.
- Individual player ratings highlight key contributions across the squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns won a second trophy of the season by lifting the MTN 8 Cup (Getty Images).
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the MTN 8 final on Saturday. Below are the player ratings for the Sundowns starting XI and subs.
STARTING XI:
Ronwen Williams: 8
The captain made a crucial penalty save in the second half. He also tipped a powerful shot over the crossbar in the final 20 minutes.
Thabang Matuludi: 8 - Man of the Match
The fullback assisted the crucial opening goal with a backheel. His defending was excellent in a narrow role on the right of a back three.
Malibongwe Khoza: 7
The young defender was strong as he won four of his five aerial duels and made two interceptions. He had a calm game on the biggest stage.
Khulumani Ndamane: 8
The 22-year-old made a massive 17 clearances. When Pirates hit long balls, Ndamane was there to head everything clear. A big performance from the former TS Galaxy defender.
Aubrey Modiba: 5
The left back came into the final with a hamstring complaint. He was cautioned in the first half and looked like the weak link defensively, leading him to be hooked at half-time.
Marcelo Allende: 7
The Chilean had a steady match in the engine room. No player had more touches (74) on the field and he played nine passes into the final third.
Teboho Mokoena: 8
Mokoena scored the crucial opener from close range. He created two chances and won four duels as he dominated the midfield battle.
Thapelo Morena: 6
The speedy winger worked his socks off, often dropping into the defensive line. He missed a sitter in the first half but did a great job for his team.
Nuno Santos: 6
The playmaker had a fine volley saved in the first half. He worked hard and gave Sundowns a counter-attacking weapon with his clever positioning.
Tashreeq Matthews: 8
The winger worked his socks off defensively. He set up a golden chance for Brayan Leon in the second half with a superbly timed pass.
Brayan Leon: 7
Leon worked very hard from the front, giving the Pirates defender a real headache. However, he missed one sitter to kill off the game.
SUBSTITUTES:
Divine Lunga: 7
The left back replaced Modiba at half-time. The Zimbabwean gave a rock-solid display defensively.
Thabo Cele: 6
The midfielder came on for his debut and kept things ticking over as Sundowns protected a lead.
Siyanda Ndlovu: 7
The winger was a real weapon on the counter-attack, eventually winning a penalty in the dying moments of the match.
Iqraam Rayners: 6
The experienced striker came on late in the game. He tucked away a 95th-minute penalty to seal the win.
He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.
Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.
Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.
He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.
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