Itumeleng Khune 6
The Chiefs keeper made a couple of good saves – from Thandani Ntshumayelo’s long-range attempt and from Thamsanqa Gabuza’s dangerous header – and he cannot be blamed for Gabuza’s goal as his defence was caught ball-watching. Back after a long spell on the sidelines through injury, Khune did not look sharp and often punched routine crosses he should have been catching. Replaced late in the second half by Pieterse following an ankle injury.
Siboniso Gaxa 6
Gaxa came up against a very confident Qalinge but defended well and was able to start some counter-attacking moves. But he made a mistake early in the first half when he gave the ball to Qalinge, starting a move which forced Khune to save from Leholohonolo Majoro.
Erick Mathoho 7
‘Tower’ fought a good fight against Gabuza and his overhead kick inside the box in the eighth minute prevented Pirates from snatching an early goal. With Pirates pumping everything forward in the second half, Mathoho used his height to deal with the threat. Perhaps better communication might have stopped Gabuza from scoring his headed equaliser.
Lorenzo Gordinho 7
The young Chiefs defender had the easier job of containing the off-form Majoro and acquitted himself well, looking assured throughout the match and even covering Masilela when the left-back was out of position.
Tsepo Masilela 6
The experienced Masilela did well when Chiefs had the ball pushing forward but he was repeatedly caught out of position when Pirates reclaimed possession.
George Maluleka 6
Playing in an unfamiliar wide position, Maluleka coped well with the pace of the game. The midfielder pushed forward but did not neglect his defensive duties. A sixth-minute shot from the edge of the area flew over the bar.
READ: Maluleka: Chiefs chased three points
Reneilwe Letsholonyane 5
After good opening minutes of the first half when he controlled the pace of the match and linked well with defenders and attacking players, Yeye lost grip and made elementary mistakes, forcing Willard Katsande to keep on cleaning up the mess. In the 32nd minute Yeye had a chance to score but missed from inside the box.
*Willard Katsande 8
The Soweto-Derby Man of the Match without a shadow of doubt. Katsande blocked a lot of Pirates’ attacking moves and also initiated Chiefs’ attacks. His performance was rewarded with a goal when he finished via a slight deflection following a corner to put Chiefs in front. On the down side, the hardman continued to concede unnecessary free-kicks in dangerous areas.
READ: Katsande: Chiefs had their chances
William Twala 5
Making his second start since joining from Chippa United, Twala battled and often surrendered possession. He had one first-half shot but Mhlongo saved comfortably. He was replaced by George Lebese in the 72nd minute.
Siphiwe Tshabalala 7
Playing just behind Abraw, Shabba confused the Pirates defence by making runs to the flanks, allowing him the space to play dangerous crosses into the box. In the 21st minute he drifted wide on the right and putsin a good cross for Abraw, who headed wide. His well-taken curling corner-kick found its way to Katsande, who converted Chiefs’ goal.
READ: Shabba disappointed with draw
Camaldine Abraw 6
Playing as deep targetman, Abraw found himself marked by Gyimah with Mahamutsa able to sweep, waiting for the second ball. Credit to Abraw, who managed to win most of the long-balls. But he headed wide from Tshabalala’s 21st-minute floated cross and in the 30th minute his long-range shot went wide. Replaced by Mthembu with 10 minutes remaining.
Reyaad Pieterse
Pieterse came on for Khune in the 72nd minute and was not severely tested.
George Lebese
Came on for Twala in the 72nd minute. Combined slickly with Tshabalala inside the box in the 84th minute, but the danger was cleared by Sarr.
Siphelele Mthembu
Mthembu cames on for Abraw in the 80th minute.