Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic showered praise on Justin Shonga after the Zambian forward netted the winner in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals against Kaizer Chiefs.

Shonga missed a penalty the last time the two sides met in their Absa Premiership encounter which Pirates also won 2-1 and the Pirates mentor acknowledged the important role that the Zambian International played in helping them advance to the final.

‘Shonga and (Augustine) Mulenga are coming from the setback of their Zambian team failing for the second time to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations‚’ Sredojevic said in post-match comments.

‘From such a setback the best football answer is what was exactly we were looking at… it is to bounce back.

‘Assistance of Mulenga scored by Shonga to win is the best possible way to bounce back.

‘We are happy to have Shonga there and he’s working very hard.

‘Now I hope all those who had attacked him after missing many chances and the penalty last time in the derby have seen what a good player he is.

‘Sunshine came when Shonga scored and we are very happy to have him around.’

‘When we’ve seen who our opponent is in the final‚ behind closed doors and away from everyone’s eyes… an invisible match will start between us and the team we will face in the final‚’ he concluded.

Pirates will do duty against Baroka, who defeated defending champions Bidvest Wits to book a spot in their first-ever cup final.

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