Jose Riveiro mesmerized by how Carling All-Star team absorbed information

With just two training sessions, the Orlando Pirates mentor guided a side voted for by the public to the winners’ podium and a R2-million prize money.

Following goals from Mfundo Vilakazi and Ashley Du Preez, the Spaniard was more than pleased with the reaction.

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"It's a game to congratulate the players for the level of commitment during this short time together. I would like to thank them for the way that they worked with me. The way that they were respecting the things that we proposed to stay together during this short period. I think we managed to understand each other very well," Riveiro said.

Although Stellies did pull one back through striker Mervin Boji in the dying minutes of the match, Riveiro singled out the central defensive pair of Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Njabulo Ngcobo.

"I think Rama and Ngcobo did a fantastic job today [Saturday]. Khune appeared when we needed him to appear. The boys were very committed, helping us to defend. We were not the tallest team in the country today and we defended in an exceptional way in the set pieces. I don't know how many set pieces we defended in 90 minutes. So, they did a really good job," Riveiro added.

Khune was voted Man of the Match, claiming the R100 000 prize money in a game where there were a lot of eyes on how he would fare considering is currently suspended by Kaizer Chiefs for misconduct.

"Today it wasn't all about Itu. It was all about the All-Star team. I'm happy for the DDC players who have worked so hard to catch the eye of the soccer loving fans in our country and they managed to vote for them. I'm more than happy for them for winning a gold medal. It gives them extra motivation to know how it feels like to win a cup in a packed stadium. Thanks to the coaching staff, thanks to everyone who has contributed in making sure that we prepare well for this game," Khune said.