Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says his side have been “exceptional” after becoming the first team to win three consecutive MTN8 titles.

The Buccaneers fought back from a goal down to secure a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Lehlogonolo Mojela opened the scoring for Stellies in the 12th minute before Monnapule Saleng levelled matters in the 43rd minute but stoppage-time goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed the victory over Pirates.

The Spanish tactician has since showered his team with praise for their performances since the start of the season.

“We were losing 1-0 and people continued cheering and supporting, they are confident, they know the guys can do it anytime and it’s something that we need to appreciate,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV after the game.

“It’s the team who wins it for the third time in a row, it’s not the coach. We fought, we prayed, we worked, we planned, we travelled, we tried to do our best in every game, that’s the minimum we can do when we’re representing a club like this one. We have a lot of talent, a lot of everything, so only because of that it is possible.

“It’s about trusting each other when we’re on the field, the people outside, the people analysing the game, I can only understand this business as a collective and I’m trying to play my part to this guys, that they can achieve whatever they want to achieve, they have the capacity to fight.

“That’s the lesson we need to learn, these three months have already been intense but at the same time really exceptional in my opinion.”