PETERSBURG. Orlando Pirates conquers Polokwane City 1-0 after E. Makgopa scored just 1 goal (68′). Orlando Pirates made the most of its better ball possession (60%).

The match was played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium stadium in Petersburg on Saturday and it started at 2:30 pm local time. The referee was Sikhumbuzo Gasa with the assistance of Kenneth Mamegwa and Sibusiso Sisilana. The 4th official was Joseph Makhubo. The weather was overcast clouds. The temperature was cold at 9.99 degrees Celsius or 49.98 Fahrenheit. The humidity was 65%.​

Match Statistics​

Ball possession

Orlando Pirates had a superior ball possession 60% while Polokwane City was struggling with a 40% ball possession.

Attitude and shots

Orlando Pirates was more pushing with 74 dangerous attacks and 14 shots of which 3 were on target. This is one of the reasons why Orlando Pirates won the encounter.​

Polokwane City shot 7 times, 2 on target, 3 off target. On the other side, Orlando Pirates shot 14 times, 3 on target, 10 off target.

Cards

Polokwane City received 1 yellow card (Tholo Thabang Matuludi). Regarding the opposition, Orlando Pirates received 1 yellow card (Olisa Ndah).

Standings

After this match, Polokwane City stays with 24 points like TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United to remain in the 9th place. Regarding the opposition, Orlando Pirates will has 29 points to hold in the 4th place.

Next matches

In the next match in the Premier League, Polokwane City will play away with SuperSport United on the 6th of March with a 7-3 head to head in favor of SuperSport United (7 draws).

Orlando Pirates will host Cape Town Spurs on the 6th of March with a 7-2 head to head statistic in favor of Orlando Pirates (4 draws).

Polokwane City – Formation

Polokwane City started with a mid-fielder-oriented line-up (4-1-4-1).

The manager Phuti Johnson Mohafe decided to play with the following team: Manuel Sapunga (7.0), Tholo Thabang Matuludi (7.5), Bulelani Nikani (7.1), Lebohang Petrus Nkaki (7.0), Langelihle Ndlovu (6.3), Manuel Kambala (7.0), Mokibelo Simon Ramabu (6.8), Given Mashikinya (7.0), Ndamulelo Maphangule (7.0), O. Appollis (7.0) and Douglas Mapfumo (7.0).

The home team had on the bench: Tlou Nkwe, Francious Baloyi, Luciano Van Heerden, Ndumiso Mabena, Cole Alexander, Stevens Goovadia, Tshabalala Sibusiso, Lucky Baloyi and Amos Kudzai Mokwena.

Substitutions

Polokwane City made 4 changes: Given Mashikinya for Cole Alexander (76′), O. Appollis for Tlou Nkwe (76′), Douglas Mapfumo for Tshabalala Sibusiso (76′) and Ndamulelo Maphangule for Ndumiso Mabena (84′).

Player of the match: Tholo Thabang Matuludi​

Following our analysis, the most impressive player for Polokwane City was Tholo Thabang Matuludi.

His rating is 7.5 with 24 passes (61% accurate) and 1 key pass. He won 8 duels out of 17. He performed 2 crosses.

Orlando Pirates – Formation

Orlando Pirates started with a 4-2-3-1 line-up (4-2-3-1).

Jose Riveiro played with: Chaine Sipho (7.0), Thabiso Monyane (7.5), T. Xoki (6.7), Olisa Ndah (7.0), Deon Hotto (6.8), Makhehlene Makhaula (6.8), Thalente Mbatha (6.7), Karim Kimvuidi (7.5), Patrick Maswanganyi (7.0), Relebohile Ratomo (6.8) and E. Makgopa (7.0).

They had on the bench: T. Monare, Monnapule Saleng, Kabelo Dlamini, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Lesedi Kapinga, Innocent Maela, Richard Ofori, Thabiso Lebitso and Sandile Mthethwa.

Substitutions

Orlando Pirates made 5 changes: E. Makgopa for Kabelo Dlamini (77′), Relebohile Ratomo for Innocent Maela (78′), Thabiso Monyane for Thabiso Lebitso (68′), Karim Kimvuidi for Tshegofatso Mabasa (68′) and Makhehlene Makhaula for T. Monare (83′).

Player of the match: Thabiso Monyane​

The most impressive player for Orlando Pirates was Thabiso Monyane even if he didn’t score the decisive goal.

His rating is 7.5 with 26 passes (76% accurate) and 2 key passes. He won 3 duels out of 4. He performed 3 crosses.

Results of the day

These are the results of the day in the Premier League.​

• Richards Bay – Royal AM – 1-2
• Kaizer Chiefs – Moroka Swallows – 0-0
• Polokwane City – Orlando Pirates – 0-1