Orlando Pirates was written off before the game due to lackadaisical, jaded and erratic performance in the league. Pirates approached the game as underdogs but with much improved game plan.
Pirates
caretaker coach Eric Tinkler introduced a new central pair combination of captain
Lucky Lekgwathi and Happy Jele. The new combination worked effectively due to
good understanding. It was for the first time in many years to witness Pirates
playing with balance defence both aerial and on the ground. Jele aerial ability
made difference by challenging many of the aerial balls whilst Lekgwathi commanded
the entire defence with distinction playing sweeping role without encroaching
the territory of the hardworking Jele.
Thabo
Matlaba and the less known Ntsikelelo Nyauza easily closed down Sundowns
effective wing play of Elias Pelembe and Anthony Laffor who was sacrificed for Lebohang
Mokoena in the second half after made very little impact. Nyauza never puts a
foot wrong in the game with his well calculated tackles. Sundowns was forced to
play from within because Nyauza and Matlaba close down their effective wing
play.
Pirates
dominated the engine room with Oupa Manyisa playing deep alongside Thandani
Ntshumayelo to create more space for Mpho Makola with skilful Khethowakhe
Masuku and tricky Sifiso Myeni completing the wings but the player who stole
the show was my man of the match Makola who initiated and directed Pirates
offensive moves with distinction.
Makola
transitional movement coupled with movement on and off to the ball was
exceptional. He demonstrated a rare ability of ball playing skills without
losing focus and balance in the game. He was a livewire with array of
mouth-watering and eye-pleasing skills. Sundowns never had any tactical plan to
close him down due to his sizzling performance.
Manyisa
did basics things in the game whilst Ntshumayelo had a good game but elapsing
of concentration nearly affected his game after losing balls unnecessary at the
danger zone but Lekgwathi calmed him down to have a decent game.
Myeni
was a razor wire in the flesh of Sundowns defence with his blistering pace but
his last ball was less impressive. Myeni head an improved game whilst Masuku
had a decent first half but struggled to make an impact in the second half.
Masuku needs to work hard on his defensive ability. He was not joining in
defence when the team was under siege which put Nyauza under unnecessary
pressure in the second half.
Helder
Pelembe worked hard in the game but he was isolated upfront without adequate
ball supply. Pirates dominated the engine room but didn’t create a lot of
goalscoring opportunities for Pelembe. The lone striker tactic is limiting
Pelembe’s striking ability.
Tactical
discipline won Pirates the game however; the defence deserved more praise for
solid performance with Meyiwa delivering an excellent and impressive performance
but Makola stood the head and shoulders above the rest with first class performance.
