Kjell Jonevret lapped up the atmosphere of his first Soweto derby‚ and by the end was satisfied‚ having had a penalty let-off‚ that Orlando Pirates managed a competitive 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs.
An evenly-matched Absa Premieship game at FNB Stadium on Saturday might have been settled for Chiefs‚ had Willard Katsande not seen his 84th-minute penalty saved by Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere. We are lucky – not just the clubs‚ but the league in South Africa – to have a game like this‚” Jonevret raved of the famous match afterwards.
“There are many countries who would be jealous of not having this game. It's a fantastic thing that you build up for a week. It was great.”
Pirates could only manage another draw by the same scoreline as their result against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium in their previous game in new Bucs coach Jonevret’s second match in charge.
Both sides had their chances‚ though‚ and the Swede said he thought they had served up an entertaining game.
“I thought Chiefs kept the ball and were a bit stronger than us in the first five or six minutes‚” Bucs’ coach said.
“But then after a while the possession was good and we kept the ball a bit‚ and started playing. I thought we played very good football in the first half.
“When they scored [through Joseph Molangoane in the 18th minute] it was a bit soft – I think it was the first time they had a shot in the game. So I was a bit disappointed.
“In the second half it looked to me like Chiefs were stronger. But overall I thought it was a good game and a tough game‚ and I thought the crowd also liked it.
“It was an open game with a lot of chances.
“I haven’t seen a replay of the penalty decision‚ so I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the linesman. But from our players‚ I thought it was a bit soft.
“So if we had lost the game 2-1‚ it would have been really tough. But 1-1‚ having conceded a penalty‚ that’s OK for me.
“Even if I tried to put on offensive players in Riyaad Norodien and Tendai Ndoro to try to win. Yes‚ so a draw was maybe OK – but we want to win.”
Pirates equalised through Dove Wome in the 33rd minute.
Bucs‚ who remain struggling in 10th place have another tough assignment against third-placed SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in their next fixture on Tuesday night. - TMG Digital
Content Jonevret laps the atmosphere of his first Soweto derby after sharing points with Chiefs
Kjell Jonevret lapped up the atmosphere of his first Soweto derby‚ and by the end was satisfied‚ having had a penalty let-off‚ that Orlando Pirates managed a competitive 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs.
An evenly-matched Absa Premieship game at FNB Stadium on Saturday might have been settled for Chiefs‚ had Willard Katsande not seen his 84th-minute penalty saved by Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere. We are lucky – not just the clubs‚ but the league in South Africa – to have a game like this‚” Jonevret raved of the famous match afterwards.
“There are many countries who would be jealous of not having this game. It's a fantastic thing that you build up for a week. It was great.”
Pirates could only manage another draw by the same scoreline as their result against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium in their previous game in new Bucs coach Jonevret’s second match in charge.
Both sides had their chances‚ though‚ and the Swede said he thought they had served up an entertaining game.
“I thought Chiefs kept the ball and were a bit stronger than us in the first five or six minutes‚” Bucs’ coach said.
“But then after a while the possession was good and we kept the ball a bit‚ and started playing. I thought we played very good football in the first half.
“When they scored [through Joseph Molangoane in the 18th minute] it was a bit soft – I think it was the first time they had a shot in the game. So I was a bit disappointed.
“In the second half it looked to me like Chiefs were stronger. But overall I thought it was a good game and a tough game‚ and I thought the crowd also liked it.
“It was an open game with a lot of chances.
“I haven’t seen a replay of the penalty decision‚ so I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the linesman. But from our players‚ I thought it was a bit soft.
“So if we had lost the game 2-1‚ it would have been really tough. But 1-1‚ having conceded a penalty‚ that’s OK for me.
“Even if I tried to put on offensive players in Riyaad Norodien and Tendai Ndoro to try to win. Yes‚ so a draw was maybe OK – but we want to win.”
Pirates equalised through Dove Wome in the 33rd minute.
Bucs‚ who remain struggling in 10th place have another tough assignment against third-placed SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in their next fixture on Tuesday night. - TMG Digital
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