MTN8 Final – Player Ratings

Orlando Pirates secured an MTN8 four-peat after beating Stellenbosch 3-0 in the final that took place at the Mbombela Stadium. Here’s a look at player ratings after the spectacle that took place on Saturday evening.

PIRATES PLAYERS

• Sipho Chaine (5): The Pirates' keeper was well-protected by his defense and had little to do for the full 120 minutes, as Stellies failed to break through the solid backline.

• Thabiso Lebitso (6): A strong two-way player, he was effective both going forward and tracking back. His run, unfortunately, was cut short due to fatigue.

• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (6): He was the heart of the defense and the captain on the field, continuing his excellent form by providing calm, effective leadership from the back.

• Lebone Seema (5): In tandem with Mbokazi, he was a key part of the wall that Pirates built, keeping the Stellies' attackers from creating any real danger.

• Deon Hotto (6.5): Proving to be a dynamic force, he mirrored Lebitso's impact on the opposite flank, constantly pushing forward and adding an extra dimension to the Pirates' attack.

• Thalente Mbatha (5.5): He was the engine of the team, relentlessly working to connect the different lines and ensure the flow of the game, as he so often does.

• Sipho Mbule (6): Playing in the number 10 role, he was a central figure in orchestrating the attack, delivering a series of sharp, forward-thinking passes to unlock the opposition.

• Sihle Nduli (6): Showing remarkable stamina, he was a consistent presence in midfield for the full 120 minutes, using his understanding of his former teammates to nullify Stellies' threats.

• Relebohile Mofokeng (5.5): Though still a threat on the ball, he didn't have his best game and seemed to be struggling to rediscover his usual high-flying form.

• Kamohelo Sebelebele (7): The agile winger was a constant threat, and his versatility was on full display as he transitioned seamlessly between the right wing and right-back, excelling in both roles.

• Evidence Makgopa (4.5): It was a quiet day for the striker, who spent more time dropping deep to link up play than posing a threat in front of goal.

PIRATES SUBSTITUTES

• Tshepang Moremi (8): The true hero of the match. He came on and single-handedly turned the tide of the game, scoring a match-winning brace and assisting another goal.

• Tshegofatso Mabasa (7): A classic super-sub performance, as he came on to score one of the decisive goals that pushed the Pirates to victory.

• Oswin Appollis (7): His impact was immediate and decisive, as he provided two crucial assists that helped the Soweto giants secure the win.

• Masindi Nemtajela (4): Came on into the midfield but struggled to make any significant contribution to the team's performance.

• Nkosinathi Sibisi (N/A): Did not play enough minutes to be evaluated.

STELLENBOSCH PLAYERS

• Sage Stephens (7.5): Stellenbosch’s goalkeeper was a hero for much of the match, making several spectacular saves that kept his team in the game. The three goals he conceded in the end don't tell the full story of his outstanding performance.
• Enyinnaya Godswill (6.5): He was tasked with the tough job of defending against Pirates’ dangerous attacker Relebohile Mofokeng and held his own while also pushing forward to join the attack.

• Omega Mdaka (6): Just like Godswill on the other side, Mdaka was a dynamic full-back who made good overlapping runs to support the offense while also doing well to contain the speedy Kamohelo Sebelebele.

• Henri Stanic (6): Stanic was a rock at the back, dealing expertly with high balls and neutralizing Pirates' threats from set pieces with his strength in the air.

• Thabo Moloisane (6.5): Moloisane was a defensive powerhouse during the first 90 minutes, shutting down numerous attacks. However, he couldn't withstand the intense attacking pressure from Pirates in extra time.

• Mthetheleli Mthiyane (7.5): The midfielder was arguably the most impressive player on the field for Stellies. He showed incredible fearlessness and control, demonstrating his importance to the team’s performance.

• Devin Titus (6.5): A constant source of energy on the wing, Titus relentlessly tried to break through the Pirates' backline and was a threat to watch every time he got on the ball.

• Sanele Barns (6): He was expected to be a major attacking force for Stellies, but he struggled to get past the tight marking from Pirates' defender Deon Hotto.

• Genino Palace (5.5): Palace had a difficult game and wasn't able to live up to expectations, though he did put in an effort to link up with his teammates.

• Lehlohonolo Mojela (6): He worked hard to find space and was dangerous whenever he had possession, but the Pirates’ defense was just too organized for him to break through.

• Andre De Jong (6.5): As the team's creative engine, De Jong consistently looked for opportunities to set up his teammates and was a danger to the Pirates’ defense himself.

• Ashley Cupido (5): He made his presence felt in the air after coming on as a substitute but couldn't get his head to a goal-scoring chance.

• Ibraheem Jabaar (6): His introduction brought much-needed stability to the midfield, allowing Stellenbosch to create more attacking momentum.

• Lesiba Nku, Thapelo Makobodi, Thato Khiba and Langelihle Phili (N/A): Th