Soccer Laduma rates the individual performances of the Orlando Pirates players, following their 1-1 draw with Etoile du Sahel.
Orlando Pirates:
Felipe Ovono: 6
Didn't have a lot of saves to make in the first half, but his communication with his defence in the opening stanza was poor and almost led to a Etoile goal. While, he was helpless for the visitor's goal.
Happy Jele: 6
Put in a solid shift at right-back for most of the 90 minutes but it was his failed headed clearance that led to the Etoile captain scoring the equaliser late in the second half.
Siyabonga Sangweni: 6
Did well to frustrate Baghdad Bounedja for most of the 90 minutes, gave away a needless foul, which nearly led to a goal but he was solid overall.
Ayanda Gcaba: 6.5
Gcaba, much like Sangweni, put in a solid in the heart of the Buccaneers defence but his poor communication with Ovono nearly led to Baghdad Bounedja scoring the opening goal.
Thabo Matlaba: 6
Did well defensively against the physical Tunisian side, he impressed going forward but should have scored in the 33rd minute when he blazed over six-yards out.
Lehlogonolo Masalesa: 6
Kept it simple in the middle of the park, he put in a couple good challenges, although he didn't have a major impact going forward.
Thandani Ntshumayelo: 6
Didn't offer much going forward for the Buccaneers but was solid defensively in the midfield, while his marking for the Etoile goal was poor.
Mpho Makola: 6.5
Proved to be one Pirates' better players on the night, he looked threatening whenever he was in possession of the ball in the opposition half, while he also had no problem tracking back.
Thabo Rakhale: 6
Showed up in glimpses during the 90 minutes, he did well to help out defensively, but didn't offer enough going forward down the right flank.
Thamsanqa Gabuza: 7
Worked tiressly in the attack, closing down the Etoile players and dropped back when Pirates were pegged back. He also scored a sublime goal in the first half from a tight angle.
Kermit Erasmus: 6
Didn't have much in front goal but he continued to chase down loose ball and track back, which will certainly please the Eric Tinkler.
Substitutes:
Issa Sarr: NA
Only played the final 10 minutes, as the Buccaneers were looking to hold on for the 1-0 win but he couldn't prevent the visitors from equalising.
Gift Motupa: NA
Not on the field long enough to receive a rating.
