Orlando Pirates Player Ratings: Monyane impressive, but Eva Nga wasteful against Swallows FC

Put in a decent performance in goal. 

Ofori was never tested in the first half, but his distribution was brilliant throughout the game. He did make two vital saves after the restart - denying Tshidiso Patjie.

Impressed after being handed a rare start.

Monyane caused havoc for the Swallows defence whenever he pushed forward and he created several chances for his teammates, but he looked tired towards the end of the game.

Started his reign as Bucs captain with a win.

Maela was solid defensively - containing fellow Pirates academy product Lindokuhle Mtshali. However, Maela didn't offer much going forward when he overlapped on the left flank.

His pace proved to be vital for the hosts. 

Sibisi made some great covering runs while making crucial clearances and interceptions. However, he was lucky not to be penalised after fouling Patjie in the box.

Rock-solid on his official debut for Bucs.

Xoki made a positive start to the game and was instrumental in organizing Pirates' defence. He was a substitute after picking up an injury.

A bit over-enthusiastic with his physical approach. 

Monare was lucky not to get booked in the first half, but his ball distribution was good. He was substituted while looking exhausted with 12 minutes left.

Worked hard in the middle of the park.

Mosele looked sharp in attack as well as defence. Pirates controlled the game for a large period due to his dominance in midfield. 

Started well, before disappearing.

Dlamini looked lively just behind the front three, carrying the ball goalwards in the first half and his deflected pass led to Eva Nga's goal. However, he faded away after the restart and he was substituted. 

The accomplished attacker was playing some of his best football towards the end of last season and he will be keen to continue where he left off.

Looked average at times.

Hotto had a rare off afternoon as he could neither score nor create openings for his teammates. He had a golden opportunity to score Bucs' second goal, but he was denied by Thakasani Mbanjwa.

Very wasteful on the day.

Eva Nga got himself in scoring positions, but his finishing was very poor which led to some fans booing him. However, he took his goal well when he beat Mbanjwa.

Introduced in the 61st minute and he struggled to get to the pace of the game, while also failing to break a couple of Swallows attacks.

Made a few nice touches in Pirates' half, but he couldn't carry the team forward having been introduced in the 78th minute.

Also came on in the 78th minute, but he was rarely tested as Swallows attacked through the wings.

Uninvolved and quiet for most of his time on the pitch having been introduced in the 78th minute.