Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret highlighted his sides improved defensive effort, following their 2-1 victory against Chippa United in an Absa Premiership encounter on Saturday night.

Goals by Thamsanqa Gabuza and Thabo Matlaba either side of Paseka Mako’s strike sealed the victory for the Soweto giants, who leapfrogged Maritzburg United into eight position on the table.

The Swedish mentor was delighted with Pirates’ ability to press their opponents higher up the pitch, and was equally delighted that his side have entered the top half of the table with this win.

‘I’m happy with the first half, I think we played a bit higher today, we defended well, didn’t give them too many chances, we scored one beautiful goal, should have scored one or two more,’ he said in post-match comments.

‘But a mistake, we were a little bit sloppy there last minute, and it’s 1-1, and then it’s a totally new game again. Could we have gone into the locker room at 1-0 there, and maybe play a little bit smart?

‘In the end, happy with three points. We made a little gap between Chippa and the other teams and we also closed the gap (for the top eight). so overall a good week: two wins and a draw, so we are on our way,’ he concluded.

Pirates face title-contenders Wits in their next Absa Premiership encounter at the Bidvest Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off set for 19:30.