Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says his team “proved that they can compete with everyone” following their victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.

The Buccaneers came from two-goals down to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Amakhosi thanks to a brace by Monnapule Saleng and a goal from Thabiso Lebitso, while Ashley Du Preez netted a brace for Chiefs.

Pirates moved up to second place on the log with 33 points from 20 games, while Amakhosi dropped down to seventh place in the log standings with 29 points from 20 matches.

Riveiro was pleased with his side’s performance, especially after their performance against Cape Town Spurs during the mid-week action of the DStv Premiership.

“A proper derby, no? It’s changes in the score, with moments for both teams, I think both teams competed the way you have to compete in a derby. I don’t know why the people are now upset, I think Chiefs did a good game,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV.

“They were running all the way, everybody was running here today an extra mile, so there’s nothing to regret I think in any of the teams. I think it was a nice derby, five goals and obviously happy with the work that we did to regroup ourselves after Wednesday (draw against Cape Town Spurs). To perform the way we did with only two days in between the games, so yeah, I’m so proud of the guys.

“I think during this time together we’ve proved that we can compete with everyone but the difference in performance at Pirates between yesterday and today cannot be that big. We’re looking for what we’re looking for. Our best performance cannot be so different from our worst performance. So that is what is happening right now. It’s in our hands to do better, to work on it and I’m sure that will come,” he concluded .

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