Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says there was no better occasion to “pick up their confidence” following their victory in the Soweto derby.

The Buccaneers came into this fixture after sharing the spoils with Cape Town Spurs following their 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Pirates managed to bounce back and came from behind to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals in the latest edition of the Soweto derby on Saturday.

The win took Pirates up to second place in the DStv Premiership standings with 33 points from 20 games, while Amakhosi dropped down to seventh place in the log standings with 29 points from 20 matches.

Mabasa says his side showed their fighting spirit and character to come back and walk away with maximum points and bragging rights.

“I’m proud of what the guys have shown out here today, especially after Wednesday’s result,” Mabasa told Orlando Pirates’ Twitter page.

“You know we had to pick up our heads and we had to pick up our confidence, and there was no better occasion than to do it than the Soweto derby.

“It’s my first derby in a while and to finally get three points in it and to score three goals in it. What a good team performance! I’m happy for everyone, happy for the supporters as well, and the club as a whole.

“We deserved this three points today”

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