Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Orlando Pirates: Who Fired, Who Flopped

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their first MTN8 trophy in five years after beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners handed the Brazilians their first cup victory over Pirates in 19 years.

Despite the win, Masandawana were far from their best but still did enough to get the job done against the Buccaneers, who struggled to find their rhythm for much of the encounter.

Sundowns edge Pirates to win MTN8

Here are the players who fired and those who flopped in the MTN8 final.

Players who fired

Ronwen Williams – 9/10

The Bafana Bafana captain was at his best once again against Pirates. He saved Ghampani Lungu’s penalty in the second half with Sundowns leading 1-0, a moment that proved crucial in changing the complexion of the match.

Williams made several more saves later in the game to preserve his clean sheet and help Masandawana secure the trophy.

Sipho Chaine – 9/10

Although he conceded twice, Chaine was one of Pirates’ standout performers. He made three excellent saves in the first half to keep his side in the game and give the Buccaneers hope of fighting back. However, poor decision-making and a missed penalty from his teammates meant his impressive performance ultimately counted for little.

Khulumani Ndamane – 8/10

The towering defender delivered a solid performance and hardly put a foot wrong. Ndamane dealt effectively with the Pirates attack, winning aerial duels and important challenges against the likes of Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi.

His defensive contribution helped Sundowns maintain control when Pirates tried to find a way back into the contest.

Players who flopped

Tshepang Moremi – 2/10

Having been preferred to Oswin Appollis, Moremi endured a difficult afternoon. The winger struggled to make an impact and was often forced to resort to shots from distance.

He spent much of the match chasing shadows and failed to trouble the Sundowns defence consistently. His performance raised questions about whether he should have been substituted earlier.

Sundowns controlled Pirates attackers

Thalente Mbatha – 4/10

Mbatha was guilty of surrendering possession on several occasions as Pirates struggled to establish control in midfield. Although he tried to make an impact, he ultimately lost the midfield battle against Sundowns.

Having spent a lengthy period on the sidelines, the talented midfielder appeared short of match sharpness, raising questions about whether he was ready to start a final of such magnitude. Sundowns benefitted more from Mbatha’s mistakes in the end.

Simphiwe Selepe – 3/10

Selepe struggled to rise to the occasion as Pirates were overrun in midfield. He failed to influence the game and offered little in terms of creativity or control.

With Sundowns dominating the central areas, the midfielder was largely ineffective and struggled to make his presence felt.

Ghampani Lungu – 4/10

Lungu endured a frustrating evening, missing a second-half penalty that could have changed the complexion of the final. He also had a promising opportunity when through on goal but opted to cut back instead of taking a shot or attempting to dribble past Thapelo Morena, who recovered to clear the danger.

His missed chances proved costly as Pirates failed to mount a serious comeback against their Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates were far from their best against Sundowns and paid the price for their shortcomings in both boxes. While Chaine did his best to keep the Buccaneers in the contest, their lack of cutting edge and struggles in midfield ultimately proved decisive.

Sundowns, meanwhile, were not at their fluent best but showed the composure and clinical finishing needed to win a final. Williams’ penalty save was a defining moment and ultimately won the match for Masandawana.