Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret says he was delighted with his side’s improved performance against rivals Kaizer Chiefs in their Soweto derby clash on Saturday.

The Buccaneers and Amakhosi played out to a goalless draw at the FNB Stadium when an own goal by Tshepo Masilela cancelled out Joseph Molangoane’s 16th-minute opener as both sides walked away with a point each.

Jonevret has urged his side to continue building on their recent performances as they prepare for their clash against SuperSport United on Tuesday.

‘I was happy with the match, especially the first half. I think we were the better team at least for the first half but we seemed to tire somewhat in the second half. In the end, I am happy with the performance from my players,’ Jonevret told the Orlando Pirates website.

‘They showed commitment and desire to win. But obviously we need to continue working hard….we have another tough game coming up against SuperSport United. We expect another tough match and we will have to be ready for whatever they will bring.’

The Swedish coach insists his side has to remain ‘focused and disciplined’ on their task at hand, while also praising his players for adapting to his coaching philosophies.

‘We are well and truly in the business end of the season which means that we will not have any easy games. Every match will be tough and every match will require all of us to be focused and disciplined,’ He added.

‘I am happy with how my players have responded to my philosophy and way of working since arriving at the Club.

‘They’ve been very positive and as a coach, I can only be pleased because it’s not easy to join a Club midseason and succeed in changing a teams’ mindset.’

Orlando Pirates will next lock horns with SuperSport United when the two sides meet in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday. The match will be played at the Orlando Stadium.

The match at the Orlando Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix