Khune - 7
Didn't see much action but when called upon was up to the task, as he showed aerial prowess to collect a few threatening balls into his area. Did well to deny Mpho Makola’s effort from range after the hour-mark, and later pulled off a stunning save to deny Bernard Morrison in the 79th minute.
Masilela – 7
His experience is still of value on the left side of defense for Chiefs. He managed to keep Luvuyo Memela at bay in the first half, while Thabo Matlaba also had little effect in attack. Produced a few telling movements and passes for Joseph Molangoane and Pule Ekstein in attack.
Gordinho – 8
Put out a classy performance in central defense, dealing swiftly with the threat of either Thamanqa Gabuza or Tendai Ndoro. His partnership with Erick Mathoho seems to be growing and maturing. Very much an aerial threat in set-pieces, as he showed when hitting the crossbar with a powerful header in the sixth minute.
Mathoho – 7
Stuck to the basics when called upon. Did his job in clearing his lines and handled pressure situations well alongside Gordinho.
Mphahlele – 7
Workhorse. Looked very comfortable down the right as he tirelessly covered both areas of attack and defense, allowing Pule to move inside – behind the strikers. Managed to restrict Patrick Phungwayo’s attacking runs while making him sweat when going on the attack himself.
Katsande – 7
Was in the thick of things, doing the dirty work and stealing possession off Pirates attackers in midfield. Combination with Maluleka has also improved vastly.
Maluleka – 7
Did well in the midfield, combining with Katsande in defense while also linking up with Ekstein in attack. Deserves a lot of credit for his increased workrate. Played the through-ball for Paez to set up Parker’s goal. His set-piece delivery was also very good on the day. Was unlucky to hit the post with a well-placed shot just before half-time.
Molangoane – 6
Didn’t quite get his foot on the ball but his efforts can’t be faulted. Along with left-back Masilela, restricted the attacking movements of Pirates right-back Thabo Matlaba.
Ekstein – 7
Looked comfortable in a free-role, dazzling the Pirates midfield and defenders with his quick feet and cheeky passes to link up with Parker and Paez. Hit a well-struck effort towards goal from about 25 yards out that was tipped over by Siyabonga Mpontshane in the 16th minute. Seemed to fade a little bit in the final 30 minutes.
Parker – 8
Proved his quality once again on the day, with his clever movements and passes around the box, while showing his killer instinct with a brilliant first time finish in the 10th minute. Developing a telepathic relationship with Paez.
Paez – 8
His intellegent runs and understanding with his teammates made him a constant threat for the Pirates defense on the day. Made an excellent run to set up Parker for the only goal of the match, and had a few good opportunities to score himself but was denied by good defensive and goalkeeping blocks.
Moon - 6
Came on to replace Molangoane in the 53rd minute. Created a few opportunities as a forward during a period of a 4-3-3 formation, alongside Parker and Paez, and brought some extra energy up front to keep the Pirates defense under pressure.
Twala - 6
Came on for Parker in the 73rd minute. His energy down the right made Phungwayo's job even harder, and he played a few good balls into the box.
Cardoso - N/A
Came on for Paez in the 86th minute. Did not play long enough for a rating.