Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed his satisfaction with the display of defender Deano van Royen who was named man of the match in their victory over SuperSport United.
Pirates secured a 2-0 victory against Matsatsantsa at the Orlando Stadium to move to the top of the PSL table on Tuesday while also bouncing back from last weekend’s Carling Knockout loss to Magesi FC.
The right-back, who was signed from Stellenbosch FC, kept a good eye on SuperSport’s dangermen and ensured his side walked away with the win, earning him the man of the match award to the delight of his coach.
What impressed Riveiro about Van Rooyen’s performance?
“The physicality in these types of games with SuperSport is very important and he [Van Rooyen] managed to control it very well in the defensive phase to not allow their players to look for crosses, [Vincent] Pule, [Lyle] Lakay, [Neo] Rapoo,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV.
“He did a fantastic job with the cooperation of everybody around of course. There are probably six or seven candidates in our squad to be man of the match today but happy for Deano.”
The defender was also delighted to have starred for his new side and says he is getting to grips with the demands at the Soweto giants.
Ex-Stellenbosch defender happy with life at Pirates
“It is always very important after a loss to come back with a win. It is a good team effort. It is going well for me, I adapted well to the demands,” said Van Rooyen after the match.
Pirates, who lead the PSL table on 12 points, will now turn their focus to Friday’s home clash against AmaZulu which will be another tricky test for them.
