Orlando Pirates head José Reviero has heaped praises on goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane, after an outstanding performance against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates thrashed Sundowns 3-0 in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers opened the scoring through Kermit Erasmus early in the second half, after a well-worked ball from the flank by Monnapule Saleng.
The left-footed winger, who plays on the right flank, produced a man-of-the-match performance after scoring a brace and an assist, to guarantee Pirates a spot in the MTN8 final, set to take place at Moses Mabhida stadium on the 5th of November.
The Soweto giants kept a clean sheet against the star-studded Sundowns team, and their Spanish mentor praised Mpontshane for his great performance between the sticks.
“I can only say good things about our defensive phase not defenders,” Riveiro told the media.
“We defend with 11 players and that’s one of the keys we’re getting this type of result, it’s not a secret.
“Everyone is involved in the defensive phase nowadays in order to be a competitive team.
“There’s no other way to do it, to convince the players to enjoy the defensive phase because it’s part of this game.
“And we love this game, it’s not only about the centre backs, obviously they are the ones who playing closest to the goals and they have more responsibilities.
“Also Siyabonga Mpontshane had a very good performance so I think we won as a collective and as a team.
“We did all the things that the game required us to do and that was the key for us to get to the final,” added Riveiro.
Mpontshane was a preferred choice in goal after Richard Ofori, who has been Pirates first choice goalie, sustained an injury against AmaZulu in the DStv Premiership last week.
