Orlando
Pirates managed to collect 3 maximum points against Platinum Stars, but the
overall performance has demonstrated clear signals of breaking up against any
stronger side in future. It was goal-posts and brilliant performance of the Premier
Soccer League best goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa that saved Pirates to extended its
unbeaten run to 12 games under Roger De Sa.
Defence
Orlando
Pirates was very strong at the back without any signs of succumbing to Platinum
Stars attacking force. However, Ayanda Ngcaba ball distributions were always
astray putting the team under unnecessary pressure but his defensive techniques
were simply the best with good ball anticipation. Now Ayanda Ngcaba is starting
to have a proper understanding with Lucky Lekgwathi.
Pirates
must thank Lekgwathi for his organizational skills. He organized his defence
nicely and also won some many dangerous balls. He led by example. Happy Jele
did well blocking the pace Thuso Phala with the mobile Thabo Matlaba always
effective going forward.
Engine Room
The
engine room players tried their utmost best with Man of Match Thandani
Tshumahelo playing as an attacking and defensive player. The presence of Ntshumahelo
eclipsed the good performance of Andile Jali who gave his best but sometimes disappeared
in the game.
Oupa
"Ace" Manyisa was a livewire in the first half but had a disappointing
second half with limited movements - and
for the first time that I witnessed average performance from Ace Manyisa. At
the end, Stars dismantled Pirates wing play penetrate the centre of the pitch
without any obstacles but failed break the Chinese wall lead by Lekgwathi.
Wing Players
Daine
Klaite was effective at the left wing and even managed to score an important
goal. However, his partner in crime Sifiso Myeni was only active in the
possession of the balls with poor work rate when assisting in defence. Sifiso
disappeared into thin air in the 2nd half by dropping too deep joining the
ultra defensive teammates. Orlando wing play was dead and non-existed in the
last 25 minutes of the game.
Striking Force
Takesure
Chinyama looks promising with his ability of holding balls nicely upfront
creating space for Daine Klaite and Sifiso
Myeni to penetrate the opposition defence but unfortunately, Takesure
was never supplied with sufficient balls for scoring opportunities.
Substitutes
Rudolf
Bester and Collins Mbesuma came in but never changed the complexion of the game
except joining the ultra-defensive Pirates in Chasing the free flowing football
of Platinum Stars.
Conclusion
Platinum
Stars players will walk tall after out-playing; out-classing, out-hustling and
out-competing the defending champions Orlando Pirates who chased the game in
the last 25 minutes like headless Chickens after Stars dismantled the whole
engine room and closing down the wing play of Orlando Pirates easily. However,
they left with nothing which justified that good or bad football, win is a win.
By Owen Mundalamo
