Orlando Pirates Player Ratings: Monyane and Mosele a cut above the rest against Royal AM

Didn't have much to do.

Ofori came out to gather the attempted through and long passes from Royal with his defence looking solid and compact. However, he will have to improve his judgement of aerial balls.

He was rescued by Nkosinathi Sibisi after he had misjudged the flight of the ball towards the end of the game.

Slowly establishing himself as Bucs' first choice right-back or wing-back.

Monyane was a tireless runner down the right wing who helped the team by providing the necessary width. He turned his marauding runs into an assist when Deon Hotto turned in his superb cross.

Flourished in his position as a left wing-back.

Hotto was a busy man on the left flank making some dangerous forward runs with the ball and he also tracked back to help out in defence. His well-taken goal earned Bucs the win.

Had a slow start to the game.

This is mainly because Royal launched most of their attacks through the right flank. However, he was solid in defence, winning most of his duels against Sedwyn George.

Solid in the middle of a three-man defence.

Sibisi made a positive start to the encounter and he was rock-solid throughout the game. His vital tackle in the late stages of the game denied Mfundo Thikazi a chance to score.

Mr Stability and calmness. 

Ndah was calm and composed throughout the game. He made several interceptions and clearances while also initiating some of Bucs' attacks with his good passing ability. 

Influential in the middle of the park.

Mosele stayed at the base of the midfield and helped rotate the ball and keep possession. He was named Man of the Match having dominated the midfield battle.

Handed his maiden start for Bucs.

Timm spent most of his time in Bucs' half and he couldn't carry the ball into attacking areas, but he combined well with Mosele until he was substituted. 

Got the nod ahead of Vincent Pule and played well.

Dlamini was a creative hub in midfield as he dropped back to collect the ball and carried the team forward. His incisive pass led to Monyane setting up Hotto for the only goal of the match.

A constant threat to the Royal defence.

Lorch always kept himself available for passes and made runs into the box to open the area for his teammates. He tormented Shadrack Kobedi who was sent off having fouled Lorch.

Tried to keep the Royal defence busy with his physicality.

However, Pirates didn't create enough chances for Eva Nga and when he did, he fired wide of the target. He was substituted towards the end of the game.

Showed some attacking spark with his speed and shooting ability having been introduced in the 57th minute and his well-taken shot nearly beat goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo.

Came on in the 71st minute and he was a busybody in midfield with his presence enabling Mosele to carry the back forward into attacking areas.

Worked hard upfront - pressing the Royal defenders having been introduced in the 77th minute, but did not make a difference on the scoreline.

Introduced in the 77th minute and he did not make a notable difference on the pitch.

Also came on in the 77th minute and he rarely touched the ball with Bucs defending most of the time.