Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as 1-0 winners over Orlando Pirates in a PSL matchday 19 headliner on Saturday. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/player/cassius-mailula/7ldwk5ikbjcfd3zpke7s6to9g" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cassius Mailula</a>'s first-half strike propelled&nbsp;Masadawana to a record-extending 15th successive win and Bucs' three-match winning run came to an end. GOAL looks at the winners and losers from the titanic encounter&nbsp;which took place in Soweto.<script type="application/json" data-placement="betting-e2">{"type":"betting-e2","data":{"key":{"mobile":"fb9f812b41240655c161bb3d4ad2cf3f","desktop":"671024543858da3e0dfea5d9450ab1a4"}}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns winners and losers following PSL blockbuster

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Vincent Pule&nbsp; The Pirates fan-favourite changed the&nbsp;complexion of the match after coming on as a substitute in the 55th minute. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/player/m-pule/5zmfdl75gf4i16vcsowiz1wb9" target="_blank">Pule</a>, who struggled with injuries last year, looked fit, sharp and hungry as he caused havoc for the Sundowns defence and he was just unlucky not to level matters.&nbsp; His performance warrants&nbsp;a start for the Buccaneers in their next game which is against All Stars on February 11 especially with&nbsp;fellow winger&nbsp;Deon Hotto out of form. Cassius Mailula&nbsp; The Sundowns academy product was relegated to the bench and used as an impact&nbsp;player after Peter Shalulile regained&nbsp;his scoring form. Against Pirates, Mailula proved his Big Match Temperament in one of the biggest fixtures in the local football calendar having been handed his first start since January 21.&nbsp; The 21-year-old stepped up and got the all-important&nbsp;goal while also being the best player on the pitch on the day.

Winners: 

Jose Riveiro&nbsp; The Pirates coach's decision to drop the in-form Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo ahead of this big match came as a huge surprise. The attacking midfielder had been influential during the Buccaneers' three-match winning run - scoring goals and being heavily involved in the build up to the team's goals. However, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/orlando-pirates-dominated-mamelodi-sundowns-goal-was-an-accident-riveiro/blt398520c4deadff53" target="_blank">Riveiro </a>opted for three holding midfielders in Thabang Monare, Miguel Timm and Goodman Mosele who underperformed and he was substituted. With Ndlondlo, who operates in the central areas, absent, Bucs were predictable as he attacked through the wings and Sundowns were able to nullify&nbsp;the hosts' wing-play. Deon Hotto&nbsp; The Namibia&nbsp;international produced one of his worst performances as a Pirates player - proving to be a liability when the Buccaneers were attacking. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/player/deon-hotto/a9lalorl33ibbgidqxn09n8ph" target="_blank">Hotto </a>was often let down by his poor first touch and also gave away possession when Bucs were attacking, while also failing to track back to help Innocent Maela defend. Unsurprisingly, the 31-year-old was substituted just 10 minutes into the second-half and Pule could get the nod ahead of him in the next game.

Losers:

Sipho Chaine - 6.5/10One of Pirates' better players on the day.Chaine made three great saves throughout the game and showed good anticipation. However, he was well-beaten by Mailula's shot. Bandile Shandu - 6/10A threat to Downs when he pushed forward.Shandu got into good positions when he overlapped and forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a fine save. He was rarely tested defensively.Innocent Maela - 4.5/10Tormented by Mailula.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/player/innocent-maela/5ir3icgxii0veh3axpq8bp905" target="_blank">Maela </a>couldn't keep up with the mobile forward who ended up scoring the decisive goal. The Pirates captain also didn't offer much going forward.Nkosinathi Sibisi - 5.5/10Gave away possession and Pirates were punished.Apart from that mistake, Sibisi played well as he neutralized Peter Shalulile and he won most of their duels.Tapelo Xoki - 6/10Another decent display by the centre-back.Xoki used his pace and physicality to good effect, while also making important clearances and interceptions.

Pirates defensive ratings:

Thabang Monare - 7/10Pirates' best player on the day.Monare looked elegant on the ball and he carried the team forward. The Soweto giants should have been awarded a penalty after he was fouled in the opposition's box. Miguel Timm - 5/10Not at his best.Timm was tidy in possession but could not make an impact when Sundowns had the ball. Goodman Mosele - 5.5/10An aerial threat in Downs' box.However, Mosele couldn't keep his headers on target. He was bypassed with far too much ease by the opposition in midfield and was among the first two Bucs players to be substituted.

Pirates midfield ratings:

Deon Hotto 4.5/10Dismal performance.Hotto was starved of service and struggled to get involved in proceedings. He was substituted 10 minutes into the second-half. Monnapule Saleng - 5.5/10Tried to make things happen.Saleng's delivery from set-pieces was good as he forced Williams into making a couple of decent saves. Bucs are becoming over-reliant on him.Kermit Erasmus - 4.5/10Disappointing display.Erasmus was well-shackled by the Downs defence and was unable to test Williams in goal at all.

Pirates forward ratings:

Vincent Pule - 6.5/10Became a constant threat to the Sundowns defence after coming on in the 55th minute and came close to scoring when he hit the upright.Kabelo Dlamini - 5.5/10Did his best to get Pirates back on the front foot but could not penetrate the resolute Downs defence having been introduced in the 55th minute. Terrence Dzvukamanja - 5.5/10Also looked bright in the 15-odd minutes he spent on the pitch but could not get his side back into the game.Craig Martin - 5/10Martin hardly got on the ball and was largely anonymous after coming on for the final 15 minutes or so.Ndumiso Mabena - 5/10Rarely touched the ball in what was his second debut for Pirates.

Pirates subs ratings:

Ronwen Williams 7/10The in-form shot-stopper was rarely troubled and comfortably dealt with what was thrown in his path. Pulled two fantastic saves to keep his 14th clean sheet of the season.Thapelo Morena 6/10He was composed despite pressure from the home team and Monnapule Saleng. Morena was also available during buildups and effectively covered the centre-backs.Khuliso Mudau 6/10Mudau did his best to keep the experienced Deon Hotto at bay. Sometimes looked nervous when subjected under pressure but did just fine to help his team collect a 15th consecutive win in the league.Grant Kekana 7/10Tough assignment for the centre-back to ensure former teammate Kermit Erasmus did not score. Dealt with aerial duels well.Mothobi Mvala 6/10The tough-tackling defender complemented Kekana well and ensured Masandawana extended their lead at the top.

Sundowns defensive ratings 

Teboho Mokoena 5/10Was sometimes caught out of position by the creative Pirates players. He, however, made some crucial challenges to help the Champions complete a double.Siphelele Mkhulise 6/10His determination saw Downs win possession in the final third before Zwane set up Mailula for the lone goal. Covered his teammates in the department well when exposed before being subbed.Neo Maema 6/10Drove forward with intent when on the ball and his supply was on point. Unlucky not to have made an assist.

Sundowns midfield ratings 

Cassius Mailula 8/10Someone can easily forget Mailula is just 21 years old owing to his exploits. His direct approach was at times too much for the defenders. Showed great composure to score in front of thousands of Pirates' fans.Themba Zwane 7/10His electric and determined start led to the first goal. Would have had more assists or even a goal but made poor decisions in the final third.Peter Shalulile 5/10Not back to his 100 percent best -after injury, but still managed to create some decent chances.

Sundowns forwards rating

Aubrey Modiba - 5/10Introduced with 25 minutes to go and ensured he broke all the dangerous attacks by the hosts.Sipho Mbule - 6/10Took over from Mkhulise in the midfield and laid deep to ensure the back four were well covered.Sifiso Ngobeni N/AReplaced the tiring Morena and managed to ensure he clears the danger.Jerome Karelse N/AHad little time to make an impact.Bradley RalaniWas introduced with three minutes to go.

Sundowns subs ratings 

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Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns winners and losers following PSL blockbuster | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Orlando Pirates lost to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday and GOAL takes a look at the winners and losers from the big PSL clash.