MTN8: Orlando Pirates Player Ratings - Ndlondlo sparkles but strikers fire blanks against Mamelodi Sundowns

Not seriously tested, but always alert.

Ofori was well protected by his defence most of the time and when Downs played through passes he timed his runs well when coming out off his goal-line.

Very active up and down the right flank.

Shandu was one of the few creators during the game, whipping in dangerous crosses from the right. However, he looked tired after the restart and he was substituted.

Deployed as a left wing-back.

Hotto made a few forward runs without really threatening the Downs defence. However, he left spaces behind him, but Khuliso Mudau failed to punish him

Operated on the left side of the Bucs defence.

Apart from mising passes on a few occasions, Maela was solid at the back for the Buccaneers. He also showed leadership in that backline.

Solid defensively in the right side of the Pirates backline.

Ndah produced a strong display against Masandawana. He showed his maturity, experience and well-timed tackles including one where he stopped Marcelo Allende.

Rocksolid at the heart of Bucs' defensive back-three.

Sibisi contained Peter Shalulile who rarely threatened the Bucs defence - winning his aerial and ground duels with the Downs striker.

Good display once again by the in-form midfielder.

Timm controlled the tempo and laid accurate passes. He also did well defensively - breaking up play when Downs were looking combine in Bucs' half. 

Contained his Bafana teammate Themba Zwane.

Mosele ensured that Downs' chief orchestrator had a quiet game by marking him tightly throughout the game. His aerial prowess was also important when Bucs were defending. 

Superb display on his Pirates debut.

Ndlondlo was able to showcase his ability to carry the ball forward and his dribbling prowess. He also intercepted Andile Jali's passes when Downs were looking to build from the back.

Deservedly named Man of the Match.

Tried to impress on his Bucs debut.

Saleng showed good movement and he was unlucky not to score when his effort hit the crossbar. However, his influence waned off after the restart and he was substituted.

Looked a bit off the pace on the day.

Lepasa had several chances, but was unable to convert any of them including one where he was sent through on goal by Sibisi. He was substituted just after the hour-mark.

His incisive movement and impressive ball control caused havoc for the Masandawana defence after coming on in the 63rd minute and he nearly grabbed a late winning goal when goalkeeper Ronwen Williams denied him.

Showed good touches in the visitors' half, but he never posed a threat to the Downs defence having been introduced with 17 minutes left. 

Came on in the 73rd minute and he didn't face too much of a threat as he was adept at handling Allende whenever required, but he did make a few good forward runs.