Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic believes his side showed real character to come from a goal down to beat Chippa United 4-2 on Saturday.

The Buccaneers moved up to second in the Absa Premiership standings with 36 points after 22 games and are now four points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Serbian coach says he was not happy with the Buccaneers’ first half performance, but admits they showed character to get back into the match.

‘We played a top team that has pulled the best out of us. We didn’t have the best of first halves. We conceded the goal after we gave the ball away cheaply, but we equalised with a penalty,’ Sredojevic told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘At half-time, we had to get a team together and went all out and scored the all-important second goal. Then against the run of play, we conceded a second.’

Sredojevic says he is proud of Pirates’ overall performance, but he insists his side are focusing on their Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

‘With the character of the team which is winning, we attacked up to the end and scored two goals to win the match in a place where not many teams can come here and win,’ he added.

‘We are firmly on the ground and have forgotten about this but are fully focused on playing Chiefs. Congratulations to the boys because they abide by the instructions up to the last detail.

‘They showed they are lions that deserve to carry this badge and jersey.’

Orlando Pirates will be hoping to continue their winning form when they take on Chiefs in a Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff set for 15:30.