Jose Riveiro insists 'Orlando Pirates were the better team' against Kaizer Chiefs and Al Ahly-linked coach believes 'not every coach in the world has an opportunity to work for a club like' Bucs after Soweto Derby win

Jose Riveiro has insisted that Orlando Pirates were the better side following the Soweto Derby Premier Soccer League 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Riveiro's charges were stunned in the early stage of the first half but fought back to ensure they returned to winning ways after their last loss to Sekhukhune United.

Pirates' effort and fighting spirit caught the attention of the outgoing coach, who lauded them despite playing games with a little rest.

"Today, like I said before the match, it was an opportunity for us to come back to the winning run after a couple of bad results in an environment that was going to test you for ninety minutes like it was," Riveiro told the media after the game.

"I am so happy with the performance of the team. I have no words to describe the effort that we have put in this season. It has been incredible, and today they did it one more time.

"We did not have enough time to prepare for the game, to rest, but they did it. If we have a look at the ninety minutes, I think Pirates were the better team. The character of the boys, the confidence of the team, and in the second half, they really showed that they wanted to win today," he stated.

After getting the last laugh over Chiefs, Riveiro said he is happy and promised to fight as usual during the Nedbank Cup final.

"I am extremely happy. It is a privilege to be part of this event. Not every coach in the world has an opportunity to work for a club like Pirates that is part of the Soweto Derby, and this will stay with me forever," the Spaniard stated.

"There are a lot of emotions coming from this game, especially when you win, and I am so happy to make all these people happy today. It is not a derby; it is a final where two teams will be fighting for silverware. We will play in Durban, not Soweto, and we will try and improve the history of our club.

"We will fight as usual, but it is not going to be an easy game for us," he added.

Since his exit was announced, Riveiro has been linked with several clubs, including Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The African giants are in the market looking for a coach after dismissing Marcel Koller following their elimination from the Caf Champions League by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, this was Riveiro's last Soweto Derby in the league, and it ended in a way he wished, a win over Pirates' archrivals.

It would be a sweet victory if he defends the cup against Chiefs on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

This will be Riveiro's last game against the Amakhosi, and he would be even happier should he leave Pirates with yet another victory over their neighbours.