Riveiro praise Pirates character after reaching Nedbank Cup final again

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro praised his players for ‘finding a way to win’ after the Buccaneers finished off a superb week by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 to reach the Nedbank Cup final. 

ALSO READ: Pirates see off Gallants to reach Nedbank Cup final

Kabelo Dlamini’s strike was enough for the Buccaneers to go through at Orlando Stadium as they kept a third clean sheet in the space of eight days. 

Pirates show grit

Pirates also beat Polokwane City 1-0 on April 5 to keep up their hopes of catching Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. Meanwhile a goalless draw with MC Alger on Wednesday in Orlando was enough to send them through to the Caf Champions League semifinals. 

“Congratulations to the players for their good effort this week in playing three ‘finals’,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV. 

“We managed to show interesting character and personality. It was about managing the fatigue and pain and finding a way to win the match. 

“Today was one of those cases, we controlled the game well and did more than enough to score more than once. Overall it was a good game and a good performance and we are fairly in the final.”

Dlamini stars

Riveiro made the choice to field Dlamini in this match even though he had only just recovered from a fever. The 28 year old had not played in the league match or Champions League match, but he proved decisive here. 

“We have a lot of players ready to go, that is what makes us realistic about what is coming. We have a good squad, full of quality and a desire to do something,” added Riveiro. 

“Kabelo was not involved recently because he was sick but he managed a good 60 minutes.”