{
  "id": 13509449,
  "title": "MTN8 final – How Pirates’ players rated",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/mtn8-final-how-pirates-players-rated",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T19:33:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/mtn8-final-how-pirates-players-rated/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final, marking their first loss in five consecutive titles. Abdeslam Ouaddou's side struggled to shake off the underwhelming performance, as reflected in the player ratings.\n\nGoalkeeper Sipho Chaine led the defensive effort with an 8/10 rating, making several crucial saves in the first half. However, he was left frustrated by Sundowns' eventual victory. Midfielder Kamogelo Sebelebele, rated 6/10, struggled to impact the game and was later forced off with a first-half injury.\n\nCentre back Nkosinathi Sibisi earned a respectable 7/10 rating for his vital interventions in defense. Despite his efforts, Pirates' defense couldn't prevent Sundowns' lead. Left wing back Deon Hotto received a 6/10 rating for his effective play, although he couldn't deliver an equalizer for his team. Midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi received a 6/10, despite being overrun at times and missing a penalty.\n\nDefender Simphiwe Selepe, rated 5/10, lacked influence in the game, while Thalente Mbatha received a 6/10, despite missing a shot and failing to dominate. Attacking midfielder Gamphani Lungu, rated 6/10, was Pirates' most threatening attacker, having one effort saved by Ronwen Williams and another denied by the same goalkeeper in the second half. Leading the attack, Yanela Mbuthuma received a 7/10, despite being inconsistent in front of goal. Midfielder Tshepang Moremi, rated 6/10, struggled to influence the game. Substitutes Oswin Appollis (6/10) and Kabelo Kgositsile (5/10) came on as replacements but did not make a significant impact. Finally, substitutes Simphiwe Masilela (7/10) and Evidence Makgopa (5/10) also failed to make a notable difference in the latter stages of the match.",
  "summary": "We look at how the Buccaneers' players rated in an underwhelming performance overall from Abdeslam Ouaddou's side.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "MTN8 Final: How Sundowns’ players rated",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/mtn8-final-how-sundowns-players-rated",
        "published": "2026-10-10T19:08:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}