Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has commended the team's defending after the impressive victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers booked their spot in this year's MTN8 final after defeating Sundowns 3-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Read: Sundowns Coach Full Of Praise For Pirates Star
While Monnapule Saleng walked away with a Man of the Match award after his outstanding performance, as he scored two goals and bagged an assist, it was the team's 'defensive phase' that caught the attention of the coach.
"I can only say good things about our defensive phase, not our defence, we defend with 11 players when we don't have the ball. That's one of the keys and one of the reasons we are getting these types of results, it's not a secret. Everyone is involved in the defensive phase nowadays. In order to be a competitive team, there is no other way to do it in our opinion," said Riveiro, speaking to the media.
"We try to convince the players to enjoy also the defensive phase, because it's part of this game and we love the game. It's not only about the centre-backs, the way they defended today… Obviously, the players who are playing close to the goal have more responsibility they have to make decisions in situations of high pressure. But it's not a secret, the level of our centre backs after four months of competition or three-and-a-half and today they showed it again," the coach added.
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The Spanish mentor also lauded goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane for his performance after another clean sheet for the 36-year-old.
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