Orlando Pirates 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns Player Ratings - Bucs' Best Players in MTN 8 Cup Final Defeat

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 24 minutes ago

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Ralph Staniforth 24 minutes ago

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Orlando Pirates lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 final.
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was our named Man of the Match for his first-half saves.
Player ratings highlight defensive lapses and few attacking successes for Pirates.

Orlando Pirates Mamelodi Sundowns Player Ratings

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns faced off in Saturday's MTN 8 Final (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 final on Saturday. Below are the player ratings for the Pirates starting XI and subs.

STARTING XI:

Sipho Chaine: 8 - Man of the Match

The goalkeeper made two outstanding first-half saves. At times it felt like Chaine vs Sundowns.

Kamogelo Sebelebele: 6

The speedy right back picked up an injury and had to be taken off at half-time. He had given a steady performance up to that point.

Lebone Seema: 6

The young defender found himself isolated against Brayan Leon at times. It was not one of his stronger outings as he received little protection from his midfield.

Nkosinathi Sibisi: 6

It was a difficult afternoon for the defender. He committed two fouls and lost five duels as plenty of Sundowns chances came on his side.

Deon Hotto: 6

The Namibian had four shot assists in the match. However, he never created anything clear and Sundowns caused problems down his flank.

Simphiwe Selepe: 7

The young midfielder had a strong game overall. He won six of his seven ground duels and his long range passing was accurate and effective.

Thapelo Mokobodi: 6

The midfield has been brilliant of late. However, this was not one of his top displays. He conceded a late penalty and did not carry enough threat going forward from a number eight role.

Thalente Mbatha: 6

The midfielder fired off four shots, with two blocked and two off target. He ran with the ball well, but he was also caught in possession for a big Sundowns chance.

Ghampani Lungu: 5

The Zambian had a quiet first half. He was forced to drop into right back at half-time and was the one who missed a generously awarded penalty.

Tshepang Moremi: 5

With no shots and just one successful dribble, Moremi was largely in Thabang Matuludi's pocket. It was not an effective performance down the left wing.

Yanela Mbuthuma: 7

The striker was a handful. He fired three shots off target after a dangerous opening period and won the somewhat fortunate penalty.

SUBSTITUTES:

Oswin Appollis: 5

After excelling for Bafana Bafana, he was left on the bench for this one. After coming on at half-time, Appollis did not have a shot, a successful dribble or a chance created.

Simphiwe Masilela: 7

The young number ten came on and made an impact. A fine long-range effort nearly drew his side level, and many supporters will be wishing that he had started.

Kabelo Kgositsile: 6

The right winger scored in the last match and was thrown on as part of a triple change to try to turn the game. His impact was largely nonexistent.

Evidence Makgopa: 6

The powerful striker came on for Mbuthuma. Pirates surprisingly stopped playing longer passes after he was introduced.

Mohau Nkota: 5

The winger came on for the final eight minutes plus added time. He only completed two passes and looked very rusty.

Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

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.