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Orlando Pirates Player Ratings: Saleng and Ndlondlo cut above the rest against Stellenbosch FC

18:03 GMT 22/01/2023
Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates, January 2023
The Buccaneers have won two league matches in a row for the first time this season with their star players impressing on the day.

Orlando Pirates recorded their seventh victory of the season in the PSL when they thumped Stellenbosch FC 4-1 on Sunday afternoon.
It was a match which saw Monnapule Saleng and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo produce sparkling displays at Orlando Stadium.
GOAL rated the performances of the Bucs players following their emphatic win.

  • Sipho Chaine.

    Sipho Chaine - 5/10

    Wasn't really tested in goal.
    Chaine didn't make a single save throughout the game, but he was well-beaten by Mervin Boji's effort. He has now conceded four goals from three matches since joining Pirates last September.

  • Bandile Shandu, Orlando Pirates, January 2023

    Bandile Shandu - 6.5/10

    Spent most of his time in Stellies' half.
    Shandu's powerful overlapping runs caused havoc for Stellies' defence and he came close to scoring when his low shot hit the upright. Defensively, though, he was barely tested.

  • Innocent Maela of Orlando Pirates FC.

    Innocent Maela - 7.5/10

    Started slowly.
    Maela was tormented by Dean van Rooyen in the early stages of the game, but the Pirates captain improved gradually and contained the Stellies winger. He was also able to make a few promising overlapping runs which saw him score with a low shot.

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, October 2022

    Nkosinathi Sibisi - 7/10

    A largely dependable figure in defence.
    Sibisi was rock-solid as he neutralized Antonio van Wyk and Sinethemba Mgomezulu who came on as a substitute. He was also vocal at the back - organizing the backline.

  • Tapelo Xoki, Orlando Pirates, September 2022

    Tapelo Xoki - 7/10

    Vigilant and strong for most of the encounter.
    Xoki made important clearances but was slightly at fault for Stellies' goal as he was caught napping. He provided the assist for Maela's goal.

  • Thabang Monare, Orlando Pirates, November 2022

    Thabang Monare - 7.5/10

    Great work-ethic in the middle of the park.
    A vital cog in Pirates' midfield engine with his well-timed tackles and accurate passes. He timed his run well before scoring with a header to break the deadlock.

  • Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Orlando Pirates, October 2022

    Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo - 8.5/10

    Best performance as a Buccaneer.
    Ndlondlo carried the team forward with his good passing ability and vision as he linked up play. He opened his scoring account at Pirates with a stunning strike. 

  • Kabelo Dlamini, Orlando Pirates, October 2022

    Kabelo Dlamini - 7.5/10

    Worked hard behind the front three. 
    Dlamini showed clever footwork to carve out space even under pressure. He provided the assist for Ndlondlo's goal.


  • Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates, October 2022

    Mopnnapule Saleng - 8.5/10

    Another day another top class display.
    Saleng made dangerous runs from the wings with Stellies defenders struggling to stop him - creating chances for his teammates and he grabbed two assists. He scooped his second successive Man of the Match award.

  • Deon Hotto Orlando Pirates.

    Deon Hotto - 6.5/10

    A livewire in the left flank.
    Hotto was involved in the build up to two of Bucs' four goals and made some good runs down the left. He is enjoying his football again in his preferred left forward position. 

  • Kermit Erasmus, Orlando Pirates

    Kermit Erasmus - 7.5/10

    His movement unsettled Stellies' youthful defence.

    Erasmus dropped back to fetch balls and linked up well with his teammates. He showed his predatory instinct in the box when he netted the third goal.

  • Terrence Dzvukamanja, Orlando Pirates, October 2022

    Terrence Dzvukamanja - 5.5/10

    He brought energy and guile when he came on in the 61st minute, but he missed a sitter. 


  • Craig Martin, Orlando Pirates, January 2023

    Craig Martin - 6/10

    Used his pace to good effect after being introduced at the same time as Dzvukamanja - making good overlapping runs while also being solid defensively as a right-back.

  • Ben Motshwari, Orlando Pirates, March 2022

    Ben Motshwari - 6/10

    Became a reliable shield in front of the Bucs defence - winning back possession by making well-timed tackles having been introduced in the 75th minute.


  • Paseka Mako, Orlando Pirates, October 2021

    Paseka Mako - 5.5/10

    Introduced with 15 minutes left and he was never seriously tested defensively which allowed him to push forward and deliver a few decent crosses.


  • Vincent Pule, Orlando Pirates, November 2022

    Vincent Pule - N/A

    Not enough time to make an impact after being introduced in the 85th minute