Jose Riveiro heaped praise on two-goal hero Kabelo Dlamini as Orlando Pirates reached the final of the Nedbank Cup.
The Buccaneers overcame Chippa United 3-1 in their semi-final tie at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
A first-half brace from Dlamini (5′, 41′) put Pirates into a commanding position before Elmo Kambindu (63′) reduced the deficit, but Tapelo Xoki (81′) wrapped up proceedings with his late goal.
Bienvenu Eva Nga was, meanwhile, dismissed for Chippa with two minutes of the match remaining.
Speaking after the game, a delighted Riveiro lauded his underrated attacker.
The Bucs boss told SuperSport: “KB is an excellent football player, he understands football very well.
“Sometimes we don’t give him the flowers he deserves but his contribution in the last two seasons has been excellent, and he hasn’t touched his best yet, we are still going to see it.”
Man of the match Dlamini, meanwhile, praised his manager for giving the Bucs players freedom to express themselves.
He stated: “It was a tough first half of the season for me, I had a lot of injuries and I am happy I have bounced back when it mattered most for the team.
“I am happy I am helping the team in the second round of the season.
“The coach is giving us a lot of confidence, and the freedom to enjoy ourselves.”