Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has opened up on the performance of Monnapule Saleng, who was named Man of the Match against SuperSport United in the MTN8.
Pirates booked their spot in the semi-finals of the MTN8 after drubbing SuperSport United 3-1 in extra-time courtesy of goals by Olisa Ndah, Saleng and Evidence Makgopa.
Riveiro says all the ingredients were there for a great game at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
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"A proper football game I think. Intense, tough, quite high the rhythm, it's difficult at this stage of the season, so congratulations to both teams," Riveiro said on SuperSport TV.
"SuperSport as well for the battle. It's amazing to play the first game at home and it's almost full. So all the components to have a great night, I think the boys deserve it. It's a good way to start the season, we're in the semi-finals, well deserved. We were better overall, so really happy with the performance.
"I think we were shaken a little bit after the 1-1. We have memories of the last game where they equalised here also in the second-half and not good memories," the Spanish coach went on.
"I think in that moment the team was shaken a little bit but I think after five, seven minutes we managed to create a good chance and that gave us the hype to come back.
"I think we dominated clearly, we had a lot of chances. It's difficult to play in these circumstances."
Saleng created two goals and scored another, as he started his season on a high following a tumultuous 2023/24 campaign.
"He [Saleng] played well right? I think he did a good job. He's a permanent threat when he's in the mood, when he is in the right space, so I'm happy for the boy, one more time. He gave us a lot and hopefully he can continue," Riveiro added.