From Elvis Chipezeze to Siyabonga Mpontshane, SoccerClub senior writer MARSHALL GOUTS selects some of the best and worst performances from Baroka’s historic victory against Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout Cup final.
Best:
Augustine Mulenga: 7/10
Proved Pirates’ best attacking outlet throughout the clash with his movement and trickery proving too much for the Baroka defence. His substitution was baffling.
Vincent Pule: 6/10
Mesmerised the Bakgaga defence with his pace and trickery, but proved wasteful with his goal-scoring opportunities. Came close to netting the winner in the Telkom Knockout final for the second consecutive year, but his grasscutter was cut out.
Xola Mlambo: 6/10
Was the glue of the Pirates team and kept the squad ticking even with a man short. Displayed his excellent composure and passing ability, but needs to improve his finishing.
Talent Chawapiwa: 7/10
Often left both fullbacks Innocent Maela and Asavela Mbekila for dead with his pace and trickery. His final ball into the area leaves much to be desired though.
Jerome Dickens: 6/10
The SAB League graduate continued his meteoric rise in South African football, showing great composure to net the opener for his side. Despite being substituted in the second half, he enjoyed a lively game with a performance to be proud of.
Musa Nyatama: 6/10
Wasn’t at his most influential throughout the clash, but did show his experience when it was most needed, reacting quickest to net the much-needed equaliser for his side.
Elvis Chipezeze: 8/10
If it wasn’t for the Baroka goalkeeper, Pirates would surely have won the Telkom Knockout Cup in regulation time, with the shot-stopper making a number of point-blank range saves. He showed his class in the penalty shoot-out as well.
Worst:
Marshall Munetsi: 4/10
It was largely because of the Zimbabwean defender’s horrific tackle and subsequent red card that the complexion of the entire game changed for Pirates. At that level, he should know not to lunge off his feet like that. The challenge was totally uncalled for and warranted the red card.
Siyabonga Mpontshane: 3/10
Despite his momentary penalty shoot-out heroics, Mpontshane will forever be remembered for the blunder that led to Baroka’s opener.
Thembinkosi Lorch: 4/10
He was awarded the man of the match accolade for his performance, however one has to feel for the Telkom Knockout top-scorer. After netting the equaliser for a ten-man Pirates outfit, the attacker missed the decisive penalty that ultimately won the title for Baroka.
Photo: Backpage pix
