"We could have scored three or four in the first half, but then we repaired that with a wonderful goal in the second half. Then we tried to shut the door and have some counters to get the 2-0," the coach says.
"We have no goals against, and it's been a while since the opponents have scored zero goals. I think we are ready for the Play-offs – if they play like this and continue progressing like they have since I took over."
Had Ajax Cape Town beaten or drawn with Black Leopards, Santos would have escaped the Play-offs, but Nooij claims there is no point wondering about what could have been.
"I have been in African football for over 10 years and I know there are no surprises, no presents. So I told the players when I arrived that we have to do it ourselves, we have to win our own home matches.
"So we were not very disappointed about the results of Leopards, we were not concerned with, it wasn't our deal, we cannot influence it."
Asked how his players will overcome the emotional strain of failing to secure their place in the Premiership for next season, Nooij replied: "We are all men, they have to have balls, they have to have character.
"If we are disappointed sitting as little sissies and children crying in the dressing-room it would be not good. Monday we are back to training, morning and afternoon."
Ezenkosi boss Jomo Sono was a notable absentee down at Athlone. It was stand-in coach Siza Dlamini who was left to field the questions after the 1-0 defeat on Saturday underlined Cosmos' relegation.
"We needed to score a goal just to leave something in the PSL and to send a message to the guys we are gong to play in the First Division," the former Cosmos striker said, "but overall it was a good performance and a good game.
"Let me assure you we will be back. Today we played the youngsters which we are looking to use in the First Division and they did well.
"Mr Sono was not here today because he was declared not fit by the doctor to travel, but he will be there next season."
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