Archive for July 30th, 2009

Player ratings: Orlando Pirates 2 City 0

30th July 2009

Taylor – To get beat from so far out for the second goal initially looked embarrassing, but in truth there wasn’t anything he could do about it.  Otherwise capable without looking exceptional.  6

Zabaleta – Half time switch to midfield reminded us of his flexibility.  Competitive and capable in midfield without ever dominating.  5

Ben Haim – Must have been as surprised as the rest of us to see him starting a game.  5

Mee – Wholehearted, but let down by giving away …

Report: Orlando Pirates 2 City 0

30th July 2009

Saturday 18 July, 2.00pm (BST)
Goals: Thwala 35, Thwala 55.

And so the 2009/10 pre-season began.  Sunshine and unparallelled optimism giving way to defeat and a dispiriting display.  Then who should pop up at Eastlands but another £25m striker to lift our spirits.  Welcome to Manchester indeed.

I took advantage of the club’s offer to watch our heroes show off their tans and tattoos on the big screen at Eastlands.  City took a chance on the weather with the open air seating outside …