Siphiwe Tshabalala
Though the match was played at a capacity 90,000 crowd, the level of play, especially in the first half was completely below standard until the last 15 minutes of regulation time.
The match lacked skill, composure, hunger to score as well as selfishness among the players.
Each time the league’s goalscorer Tendai Ndoro opened for space, his teammates always deliberately not passed the ball to him in a promising position.
The match only livened up when Chiefs introduced veteran midfielder-cum-striker Siphiwe Tshabalala while Orlando Pirates’ Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison also transformed the other clueless upfront.
The introduction of the two opposing players so action swung from one end to the other with fans calling for more such shooting prowess.
Ndoro, who boasts six league goals from seven matches could have scored in the 37th minute but his effort was blocked by Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
On the other hand, Pirates’ Thabo Rakhale displayed some skills whenever in possession of the ball, but always lacked the final killer pass, which he either overdid the dribbling or releasing astray passes.
At the back, Ghanaian defender Edwin Gyimah proved as solid as rock following thwarting numerous threatening raids from Chiefs with hard running Zimbabwean forward Michelle Katsvairo was always menacing in the first half.
A draw was described as a fair outcome by fans.
ORLANDO PIRATES:
Mhlongo; Nyauza, Gyimah, Jele, Matlaba – Sarr – Norodien (Makudubela 79′), Makola, Motupa (Morrison 67′), Rakhale – Ndoro (Gabuza 81′)
KAIZER CHIEFS:
Khune; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Khumalo – Katsande – Twala (Tshabalala 67′), Buchanan, Lebese (Parker 85′) – Ekstein, Katsvairo (Manqele 58′)
– CAJ News
