SportsClub.co.za rates the individual performances of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players, following Chiefs’ 1-0 victory at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kaizer Chiefs:

Itumeleng Khune: 8/10
Arguably one of his quietest Soweto Derbies, the shot-stopper was equal to every task thrown his way.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele: 8/10
The right back hardly set a foot wrong and proved influential both on attack and defence.

Eric Mathoho: 7/10
The defender proved influential on attack for Chiefs and was often the target of their set-pieces.

Lorenzo Gordinho: 9/10
Excellent both on attack and defence. Could have gotten on to the scoresheet, but opted to pass.

Tsepo Masilela: 7/10
Much like Rama, Masilela barely set a foot wrong and did well to contain the threat of Memela.

Hendrick Ekstein: 8/10
‘Pule’ combined well with Maluleka and Katsande and was largely responsible for Chiefs’ dominance in the centre of the park. Final ball in the area needs improvement though.

Willard Katsande: 7/10
Served as good protection in front of the Chiefs back four and linked up well with Maluleka.

George Maluleka: 8/10
Excellent game in the middle of the park and unlucky not to have scored.

Joseph Molangoane: 6/10
Had a quiet game by his standards, ‘Tight’ was not as effective as he would have liked.

Bernard Parker: 8/10
Caused the Pirates defence all sorts of problems and looked like the Parker of old – winning most aerial battles and looking sharp in front of goal.

Gustavo Páez: 8/10
Had a superb game, most notably in the first half. Proved his quality with some great off-the-ball movement.

Subs:

Ryan Moon: 7/10
A mature display from the new Bafana Bafana man, who impressed with his movement and pace.

Daniel Cardoso
Too little time spent on pitch for rating.

Orlando Pirates:

Siyabonga Mpontshane: 6/10
Could not do much about the goal, but needs to improve communication with defence.

Thabo Matlaba: 5/10
Poor game by his standards. Wasn’t effective on attack or defence.

Happy Jele: 5/10
Had a torrid afternoon trying to take care of Paez and came out second-best most occasions.

Ayanda Gcaba: 6/10
Tried to marshal the Bucs defence, but struggled on the whole.

Patrick Phungwayo: 6/10
One of Pirates’ better players on attack, but he wasn’t equal in defending.

Mpho Makola: 5/10
Largely anonymous and disappointing display from the fan favourite.

Oupa Manyisa: 6/10
Appeared short on confidence, but tried to pull the strings nonetheless, although he wasn’t too direct.

Issa Sarr: 5/10
Soldiered on bravely, despite being outplayed by the likes of Ekstein and Maluleka.

Luvuyo Memela: 4/10
Tried to make a difference on attack with his direct running, but proved unsuccessful. Guilty of gifting away possession too easily.

Thamsanqa Gabuza: 4/10
Looked lively in the first few exchanges, but visibly short on confidence. He gradually faded over time.

Tendai Ndoro: 4/10
The forward looked short on confidence and was starved of supply towards end of the first half.

Subs:

Thamsanqa Sangweni: 5/10
Didn’t have the desired impact off the bench, but showed glimpses of quality.

Thabiso Kutumela: 6/10
Looked lively when he came on, but also faded over time and looked to struggle with basics. Good off-the-ball movement though.

Musa Nyatama: 6/10
Stabilised the Pirates midfield upon his introduction, but his attacking influence was limited.

Bernard Morrison: 7/10
Came on with a purpose and looked good with his direct approach. Almost scored a stunning goal.

Abbubaker Mobara: 6/10
Kept it simple and tried to impose himself in the attacking third, but to no avail.

– This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za