Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret believes his side showed that they have the ability and quality to compete with the best teams in the Absa Premiership this season.

Thembinkosi Lorch earned his side a point after slotting home late goal at the Orlando Stadium to cancel out Thabo Mnyamane’s 55th-minute opener.

Since Jonevret was appointed as the club’s new head coach, the Buccaneers have claimed three consecutive draws, against Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs and now against Matsatsantsa following their 1-1 draw.

The 54-year-old coach believes his side have shown that they have the ability to compete with the top teams in the Absa Premiership following their positive performance on Tuesday.

‘Positive again, for the third game in a row. Character: good. I think we have shown to ourselves now that we can play at the same level of the top teams, like SuperSport and Kaizer Chiefs,’ Jonevret said after the match.

‘But of course we want to win games, but I think today you could see it was two tired teams. I think especially for us, it was a lot of energy and the derby against Kaizer Chiefs takes a lot of energy from you.

‘Maybe I should have put in some other players, but I’m also learning, it’s my first two weeks down here. But I’m happy that we came back [from a goal down] again and I’m happy that we can show everyone that we are at the same level as the top teams.’

The Buccaneers are currently placed 11th in the Absa Premiership standings and have won just four out of 20 matches played so far this season.

Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup when they take on EC Bees at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off has been set for 15:00.