Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel feels his side's 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates is not a reflection of their gallant display

Ronnie Gabriel is adamant Richards Bay did not deserve to lose to Orlando Pirates yesterday. The Richards Bay coach says it was his side which deserved to be in the Carling Knockout Cup final instead of Pirates.

Gabriel is convinced their domination was enough for all to see that his side were deserved finalists for this cup competition.

“I believe we came out here and put on a good show here, had we taken our chances we could’ve ended up victorious here this afternoon. First half, didn’t play the game on the front-foot and allowed Pirates too much possession and coming into the second half I felt that we dominated the exchanges,” Gabriel told SuperSport TV after the 1-0 loss to Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“We were more aggressive in our approach, tried to game higher up the pitch, played the game of the break-attack and we created a few goal-scoring chances. Had we taken our chances, I felt this game could’ve gone to extra-time and we had a chance to go into the finals.

“But be that as it may, it was a gallant display by the group today and the effort by the boys, highly commendable, it showed that they can compete against anyone in the league, it showed today.”

Tshepang Moremi strike for Pirates late in the first stanza condemned The Natal Rich Boys to a semi-final defeat as the Sea Robbers reach their second final this season, having won the MTN8 already.