Player ratings: Celtic v Chiefs

Cape Town - Sport24's Tashreeq Vardien rates the performances of both the Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs players.

As it happened: Celtic v Chiefs

Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Celtic who could easily have notched up maximum points had it not been for their solid defence and Brilliant Khuzwayo.

Same could be said of Chiefs who also had a few decent chances to break the deadlock but Patrick Tignyemb was a stern goalkeeper on the evening.

It was Clinton Larsen’s first game in charge since taking over Ernst Middendorp and would be happy to note that his team has attacking flair going forward but the finishing product still needs a definitive tuning.

Stuart Baxter will be pleased with his defensive line as Eric Mathoho and Tefu Mashamaite’s partnership continue to grow from strength to strength.

A good defence is the number one priority when vying for a PSL title and Chiefs look to be well on their way to lifting up the coveted trophy.

However, one can question if they are dropping momentum in their attacking approach having to depend on other players besides strikers to score goals.

Player Ratings: Celtic

1. Patrick Tignyemb - 6.5 - A good performance for the goalkeeper and was always right position when Chiefs decided to take shots at goal.

2. Limbikani Mzava - 6 - Decent game for the defender.

3. Bevan Fransman - 6.5 - The Phunya Sele Sele captain was stubborn in defence and had a solid performance.

4. Keegan Ritchie - 5.5 - An average night for the former Chiefs left-back but needs to get forward more.

5. Alfred Ndengane - 6 - A solid performance and worked well with Fransman.

6. Musa Bilankulu - 6 - Played their part well in the midfield, especially in defence.

7. Musa Nyatama - 6.5 - Played a pivotal role in the midfield.

8. Thapelo Morena - 7 - Man of the Match and was a battery in the middle of the park.

9. Jacky Motshegwa - 6.5 - Worked well with Morena and Lamola. The trio sparked a great understanding.

10. Lerato Lamola - 7 - Strong 70 minutes from the forward after becoming accustomed to the strength of the Chiefs defence. Had opportunities to break the deadlock but Chiefs defence fared well.

11. Dumisani Zuma - 5.5 - Could not deal with the Chiefs midfield as well as their stocky defence but had moments in the game which worked well.

Substitutes:

12. Mogogi Gabonamong - 5.5 - Did not affect the game as much for a substitute.

13. Mukuka Mulenga - 5.5 - Larsen was hoping Mulenga could be the difference but the intensity of the game was too much for all substitutes.

Player ratings: Chiefs

1. Brilliant Khuzwayo - 6.5 - Made crucial saves to keep Chiefs in the game - overall good night for the 24-year-old.

2. Siboniso Gaxa - 5.5 - Was often fooled by Lamola as the forward made his darting runs peeling off the right-back.

3. Eric Mathoho - 7 -The defender had an opportunity to add his name to the score sheet and made the best defensive save of the night after stopping Lamola’s goal bound shot at goal.

4. Tefu Mashamaite - 7 - A physical presence at the heart of defence and frustrated Celtics attack along with Mathoho.

5. Tsepo Masilela - 6 - The former Bafana Bafana defender looks to a bit fragile having not attacked the opposition as one would have thought.

6. Willard Katsande - 6 - A beast in the midfield and cleaned up well in his area. Struggled in the first half but put in a decent shift.

7. George Maluleka - 6 - Worked his socks off in the midfield to keep Celtic at bay.

8. Reneilwe Letsholonyane - 6 - The veteran looked fresh but not his best 90 minutes this season.

9. Siphiwe Tshabalala - 6 - a decent evening for the midfielder who could of had an assist had Mathoho’s header gone in.

10. Mandla Masango - 5 - Anonymous for parts of the game and did not use his pace and agility as often. Midfield battle overlooked the winger.

11. Bernard Parker - 6 - The forward needed to drop into midfield far too often as he was the only striker.

Substitutes:

12. Siphelele Mthembu - 5 - Shows desire to get forward but not much impact.

13. David Zulu - 4 - Five minutes too little time to affect the debutant.

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Follow Sport24's Tashreeq Vardien on Twitter: @tash23vard