Soweto derby player ratings: Who fired, who flopped?

Thapelo Mokobodi was the standout performer as Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Saturday’s Soweto derby, with the midfielder setting up both goals in a victory that gave the Buccaneers bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

Yanela Mbuthuma opened the scoring after 24 minutes, before Pule Mmodi equalised for Kaizer Chiefs six minutes later.

Tshepang Moremi struck the winner in the 56th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack created by Mokobodi.

Took control

Kaizer Chiefs had more attempts overall, with 14 shots to Orlando Pirates’ 12, but the Buccaneers took control after the break.

Amakhosi also finished with 10 men after Inácio Miguel was sent off in stoppage time.

The win was Orlando Pirates’ sixth victory in the last seven Soweto derby matches.

The victory kept Orlando Pirates unbeaten after nine Betway Premiership matches this season with 25 log points thanks to eight wins and a draw. They trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point, but have played one fewer match.

Meanwhile, the Soweto derby loss was Kaizer Chiefs first league setback of the season. The Glamour Boys are in fifth place with 14 points after nine matches thanks to three wins, five draws and Saturday’s defeat.

Player ratings (from best to worst, including all substitutes used):

Orlando Pirates

Thapelo Mokobodi – 8.5

The highest-rated player on the pitch was decisive in both goals. Mokobodi supplied the pass for Mbuthuma’s opener and then set up Moremi’s winner with an unselfish square ball on the counterattack. He also created a chance from a corner that Lebone Seema headed narrowly wide.

Tshepang Moremi – 8

Moremi scored the winning goal 10 minutes into the second half. He could have added to his tally, striking the woodwork from a tight angle before firing wide after another counterattack.

Yanela Mbuthuma – 7

The striker opened the scoring with a shot that deflected off Thabo Moloisane and looped beyond Brandon Petersen. He later missed a chance to extend Pirates’ lead after being set up by substitute Gamphani Lungu.

Nkosinathi Sibisi – 7

The Pirates captain delivered a solid performance in defence and also threatened going forward, with an effort blocked in the second half.

Lebone Seema – 7

Seema came close to scoring from Mokobodi’s corner but headed narrowly wide. He was booked in the first half for a foul on Mmodi.

Gamphani Lungu – 7

Introduced at half-time, Lungu brought pace to the attack and created a chance for Mbuthuma. He was also involved in the late incident that led to Miguel’s dismissal.

Simphiwe Masilela – 7

Masilela was lively early on and had two efforts in the opening minutes, one blocked and another narrowly wide. He was replaced by Oswin Appollis after 75 minutes.

Mthetheleli Mthiyane – 7

Mthiyane came on in the 59th minute and helped Pirates manage the closing stages.

Mpho Padime – 7

Padime replaced Thalente Mbatha as Pirates refreshed their midfield after taking the lead.

Oswin Appollis – 6.5

Appollis made a lively contribution after coming on. His goal was ruled out for offside, although television replays appeared to suggest he had timed his run correctly. He also created a late chance for Moremi.

Evidence Makgopa – 6.5

Makgopa came on for Mbuthuma and had a chance to add a third, but his effort from outside the area went over the bar.

Thalente Mbatha – 6.5

Mbatha was involved in the midfield battle but had a relatively quiet afternoon by his standards. He was replaced in the 59th minute.

Nkosikhona Ndaba – 6.5

Ndaba played the first half but struggled to make a major impact before being replaced at the interval.

Simphiwe Selepe – 6.5

Selepe was booked in the first half and was substituted in the 59th minute as Pirates sought greater control in midfield.

Deon Hotto – 6

The experienced defender struggled to contain Paseka Mako and conceded several free kicks in the first half.

Sipho Chaine – 6

Chaine made an early save from Duba but spilled Vilakazi’s low cross in the 30th minute, allowing Mmodi to score from the rebound.

Kaizer Chiefs

Paseka Mako – 7

The former Pirates defender was one of Chiefs’ better performers. He created an early chance for Duba and won several free kicks as he tested Hotto.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa – 7

Mthethwa helped Chiefs compete in midfield and provided stability in the centre of the pitch.

Pule Mmodi – 7

Mmodi scored Chiefs’ equaliser after reacting quickest to Chaine’s spill. His movement also caused problems for Pirates and helped win free kicks that led to bookings.

Wandile Duba – 7

Duba threatened throughout the match but could not convert his chances. He was denied by Chaine in the first half and later headed wide from a Frosler delivery and an Abrahams cross.

Mfundo Vilakazi – 6.5

Vilakazi played a key role in the equaliser, sending in the low cross that Chaine failed to hold. He also had two efforts blocked shortly before half-time, one of which clipped the crossbar.

Reeve Frosler – 6.5

Frosler made useful attacking contributions, including a cross that Duba headed narrowly wide. He was forced off with an injury in the 69th minute.

Mduduzi Shabalala – 6.5

Shabalala created an excellent early chance for Duba and was involved in several other attacking moves. His late shot was blocked.

Faiz Abrahams – 6

Abrahams came on for Vilakazi and delivered a dangerous cross late in the match, but Duba headed wide.

Thabo Moloisane – 6

Moloisane’s deflection sent Mbuthuma’s shot into the net. He also required treatment for an injury early in the second half.

Zitha Kwinika – 6

Kwinika replaced the injured Frosler and helped Chiefs defend as they searched for a late equaliser.

Brandon Petersen – 6

Petersen had little chance with the deflection for Pirates’ opener but was exposed by the counterattack that led to Moremi’s winner.

Lebohang Maboe – 6

Maboe missed the target with an early long-range effort and had another shot blocked before half-time. He also required treatment for an injury.

Inácio Miguel – 5.5

Miguel was booked for a foul on Moremi before receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time for a challenge on Lungu.

Ethan Chislett – Not rated

Chislett came on in the 82nd minute but did not receive a rating after his brief appearance.

Flávio Silva – Not rated

Silva replaced Mmodi in the 82nd minute and was not awarded a rating.