Radipapadi
Orlando Pirates' 4-1 victory over AmaZulu put a smile on fans' faces as the fast, attacking football the club has been known for paid off. Fans were entertained and some were taken aback by the performance. What did some of them say? Let's find out!
Bucs' team selection on Saturday included the likes of Kudakwashe Mahachi, who has not been featuring in the stating XI regularly. Soccer Laduma reader Sika Bopha was surprised by the Zimbabwean's performance and admitted he proved him wrong:
"Personally, I never gave Mahachi a good chance but he proved me wrong there. I agree, I lost."
- Blogger: Sika Bopha
Sika Bopha has a valid point in saying Mahachi proved him wrong. The player scored a goal against AmaZulu and made 38 passes with an 87% pass accuracy rate. The right-back lost seven balls while he won it on eight occasions during the game. Lastly, he won two ground duels while losing another two and committed only two fouls.
Mahachi may have had a mixed game but the high work rate he put in is clear. In a right-back position, he was involved in multiple phases of play and has a goal to show for it.
Khaya Klaas, on the other hand, was impressed by the midfield combination including Ben Motshwari and Musa Nyatama. The Soccer Laduma reader feels the two players were effective and that Luvuyo Memela's return is what the club needed to get a positive result:
"A combination between Ben Motshwari and Musa Nyatama in the middle is the best and it worked for Bucs. A comeback from Luvuyo Memela also had an [positive] input and I hope Thabo Qalinge will be given time soon."
- Blogger: Khaya Klaas
Like Klaas says, the partnership between Nyatama and Motshwari was effective as the former provided an assist for the latter in the 84th minute. Also, the pair had some of the highest pass success rates as Nyatama had a 96% pass accuracy and Motshwari 90%. Defensively, the two pulled their weight as Motshwari won the ball on nine occasions and Nyatama four. Nyatama won two ground duels and Motshwari one, and both made one interception each.
Despite being a Pirates critic, Thabang Tbos Chuma admitted to being impressed by Bucs against AmaZulu:
"I am not a Pirates fan but I am impressed by the way they played. Mmmmm, the way they were attacking and killing AmaZulu was impressive. I am a Khosi for life, by the way."
- Blogger: Thabang Tbos Chuma
Pirates implemented their passing style of play against AmaZulu, making 540 passes with an accuracy rate of 85.9%. They created five chances and had 12 shots, with seven being on target.
What did you think about Pirates' approach against AmaZulu? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
