The Buccaneers eventually emerged 2-1 winners to claim the bragging rights, but the encounter could easily have gone either way, with both sides creating several scoring opportunities and producing some exciting football.

It was a fiercely contested affair, with players from both teams stepping up in their attempts to secure maximum points for their respective clubs. However, Pirates proved more clinical when it mattered, walking away with all three points.

Several individuals impressed on the day, while others had difficult moments in a game that demanded concentration and quality from start to finish.

Below, we rate the performances of players from both teams out of 10.

Orlando Pirates

Sipho Chaine – 6.5/10

He had a busy afternoon, particularly in the first half, when he produced several important saves to deny Chiefs. However, he made a costly mistake when he failed to handle the ball properly, allowing Amakhosi to equalise.

Nkosinathi Sibisi – 6.5/10

Sibisi defended well, particularly when Chiefs increased the pressure. He remained composed at the back and ensured the Amakhosi attackers did not have an easy afternoon.

Lebone Seema – 7/10

Like Sibisi, Seema had to remain alert against the dangerous Chiefs attackers. He delivered a solid performance and even came close to scoring with a header.

Nkosikhona Ndaba – 5/10

It was a difficult start for Ndaba, who spent much of the opening exchanges tracking back as Chiefs attacked down his side. However, he gradually grew into the contest and managed to handle the pressure.

Deon Hotto – 6.5/10

The veteran had a busy afternoon battling against Paseka Mako. His experience and energy were evident throughout, with the Namibian continuing to contribute in both attacking and defensive areas.

Simphiwe Selepe – 5.5/10

It was a shaky first half for Selepe, who struggled to contain Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala. Some of his challenges could have resulted in serious disciplinary consequences, but he settled down as the game progressed.

Thalente Mbatha – 6.5/10

Mbatha faced a tough battle in midfield and had to remain alert throughout. He gradually found his rhythm, linking up with the forwards and helping Pirates create problems for the Chiefs defence.

Thapelo Mokobodi – 8.5/10

Mokobodi demonstrated why he is such an important player for Pirates. His ability to break defensive lines was evident, while his creativity proved decisive as he assisted both goals. He capped an outstanding performance by collecting the Man of the Match award.

Tshepang Moremi – 8/10

The Bafana Bafana star delivered an impressive performance and scored the winning goal. He was constantly involved in Pirates’ attacking moves and provided a significant threat to the Chiefs defence.

Simphiwe Masilela – 6.5/10

Masilela enjoyed a decent outing, registering two attempts at goal. He also showed confidence on the ball and helped Pirates settle into the contest during important periods.

Yanela Mbuthuma – 7/10

Mbuthuma continues to silence his critics with his work rate and ability to link up with his midfielders. He opened the scoring through a deflected effort and remained a constant threat to the Amakhosi defence.

Substitutes

Gamphani Lungu – 5/10

Introduced at half-time for Ndaba, Lungu did some good work as Pirates looked to maintain their balance and stabilise the game.

Mthetheleli Mthiyane – 5/10

He replaced Selepe just before the hour mark and settled into the contest without showing any signs of nerves.

Mpho Padime – 5/10

Introduced before the half-hour mark, Padime immediately showed confidence by demanding the ball. He produced some neat touches and displayed his technical ability.

Evidence Makgopa – 5.5/10

He replaced Mbuthuma and was immediately involved in the action. However, he did not have enough time to make a significant impact.

Oswin Appollis – 5/10

The winger thought he had scored after some good attacking play from Pirates, but his effort was ruled out for offside. His introduction added another attacking dimension to the Buccaneers.

Kaizer Chiefs

Brandon Petersen – 6.5/10

The Chiefs goalkeeper made some good saves and generally handled his responsibilities well. He was unfortunate to concede the opening goal, which took a deflection.

Inacio Miguel – 5/10

Miguel struggled at times against Pirates’ pace in attack. His afternoon ended in disappointment when he received a second yellow card for a foul on Lungu, resulting in his dismissal.

Thabo Moloisane – 6.5/10

The centre-back knew he had to remain alert with Mbuthuma constantly applying pressure. He managed to contain the Pirates striker for periods but could have delivered a better overall performance.

Reeve Frosler – 6.5/10

Frosler combined well with Shabalala and Vilakazi going forward. However, some of his passes went straight to Pirates players. Nevertheless, his attacking contribution was positive. He was later substituted.

Paseka Mako – 7/10

Mako’s experience proved valuable as he gave Hotto a difficult afternoon. He defended well and was also willing to contribute going forward.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa – 7/10

Mthethwa worked tirelessly in midfield, producing an impressive performance in the middle of the park. He won several important duels and helped Chiefs remain competitive throughout the contest.

Mfundo Vilakazi – 7.5/10

The youngster showed tremendous fearlessness and continued trying to inspire Chiefs whenever they found themselves under pressure. He created several opportunities and demonstrated why he is becoming an important figure in the Amakhosi attack.

Mduduzi Shabalala – 7.5/10

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a good afternoon, combining effectively with Vilakazi and causing problems for the Pirates defenders with his movement and creativity.

Wandile Duba – 7.5/10

Duba could easily have emerged as Chiefs’ hero after creating several opportunities in the first half. He gave the Pirates defence plenty to think about whenever he had possession and also contributed defensively.

Lebohang Maboe – 6.5/10

Maboe was not at his best, but he had plenty of defensive responsibilities in midfield, trying to intercept Pirates’ attacks and initiate moves for Chiefs. His influence in the final third, however, was limited.

Pule Mmodi – 7/10

Mmodi delivered a good performance and scored Chiefs’ equalising goal. He had opportunities to add to his tally but continued fighting and provided an attacking threat throughout the encounter.

Substitutes

Fawaaz Abrahams – 4.5/10

Introduced with less than 15 minutes remaining, Abrahams managed a few touches but struggled to make a significant impact in the closing stages.

Zitha Kwinika – 5/10

Kwinika replaced Frosler in the 70th minute after the latter received a yellow card. He used his experience to help stabilise the defence as Chiefs searched for a way back into the contest.

Flavio da Silva – Not rated

He did not spend enough time on the pitch to warrant a rating.

Ethan Chislett – Not rated

He was introduced late in the game and did not have sufficient time to make a meaningful impact.

Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter: Orlando Pirates are favourites to win the cup