Ugandan defender Godfrey Walusimbi endured a difficult debut as Kaizer Chiefs crashed to a 1-0 loss to SuperSport United in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Best:
Ronwen Williams: 8/10
The SuperSport shot-stopper was in fine form and proved integral to his side’s progression with a number of telling saves throughout the clash – most notably an incredible double save in the second half to deny goalbound efforts from Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Teenage Hadebe.
Clayton Daniels: 7/10
Solid as a rock in the heart of the defence alongside partner Bongani Khumalo. The former Tottenham Hotspur man was equal to every aerial threat that Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro posed. Came agonisingly close to opening the lead in the first half, but his header cannoned off the post with Itumelng Khune well beaten.
Dean Furman: 8/10
Kept it simple in the middle of the park doing all the dirty work, allowing fellow midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Reneilwe Letsholonyane to flourish when in possession of the ball.
Bradley Grobler: 7/10
Much like in the first leg of the encounter, Grobler wasn’t always involved in the game; however, his one moment of brilliance changed the encounter. He took his third goal in two matches excellently, bamboozling Hadebe with a beautiful first touch with his right foot, before firing a fine finish past Khune.
Willard Katsande: 7/10
The defensive midfielder’s influence on the clash wavered as the clash gradually went on, but Amakhosi fans got to see the Katsande of old, with the Zimbabwean often breaking up the SuperSport progress. Katsande came close to opening the scoring following a swift counter-attack on the stroke of half-time.
Siyabonga Ngezana: 7/10
Solinas opted for the defensive pairing of Ngezana-Hadebe following a number of suspect showings from usual first choice Daniel Cardoso. It was starlet Ngezana who had a stellar game of the two centre backs, with the Chiefs development product often covering for his partner. Ngezana also often came out on top in his one-on-one dual against Evans Rusike.
Worst:
Teenage Hadebe: 5/10
The Zimbabwean defender looked quite comfortable when on the ball; however, it was his off-the-ball movement which left much to be desired. Largely aided by the brilliance of Ngezana, the 22-year-old could have done much better with SuperSport’s goal.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele: 3/10
Arguably had the worst game out of all the players on the pitch. On the defensive, the former Mamelodi Sundowns captain was terrible as he struggled to deal with the duo of Aubrey Modiba and Rusike. Rama was at fault for the SuperSport goal as he needlessly gave possession away.
Godfrey Walusimbi: 4/10
Solinas threw the newly signed Ugandan defender into the deep end, giving him his debut in a hotly-contested semi-final encounter where he came up against the partnership of Grant Kekana and Thuso Phala. Despite lasting the entire 90 minutes, Walusimbi appeared a tad short of match fitness and was often not on the same wavelength as his teammates when attacking.
Photo: Gallo Images
