The combination between Bernard Parker and Gustavo Paez has improved in leaps and bounds. The Venezuelan’s assist to set up Parker for the opening goal was a joy to watch, while their link-up play in attack has become silky smooth, with the duo reading one another’s every movement.
Pirates need a link between the midfield and strikers. Both Tendai Ndoro and Thamsanqa Gabuza play flat on the defense line, leaving a huge gap during the transition and allowing the likes of George Maluleka and Willard Katsande to intercept or regain possession.
Lorenzo Gordinho is maturing like a fine wine. His presence of mind, ability to read the game and hawk eye for a challenge is a great asset in the Chiefs defense. He has managed to mark Thamsanqa Gabuza – a man who is almost twice his size – out of the game.
Oupa Manyisa and Issa Sarr are on two completely different wavelengths, diminishing their effectiveness in helping the team move the ball around as well as cut out the Chiefs attack. Communication and/or understanding seems to be lacking.
Pirates are still a team of individuals looking to claim the limelight, rather than selflessly combining with one another for a better crack at goal. Chiefs, on the othe other hand, have mastered unity as the likes of Parker, Ekstein, Maluleka, Molangoane and Paez all work together in attack and help out in defense.