Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol has saluted his players following their 1-0 Telkom Knockout win over Bloemfontein Celtic.

Ndumiso Mabena's 16th-minute strike was enough to fire Bucs into the quarter-final stage of the competition.

"I am happy and very proud of the players. I was impressed with the fantastic spirit they showed," said the Dutch mentor.

"I found the game to be exactly the way cup games usually are, there was tension from the beginning to the end. But, I am pleased with the players' efforts; and of course, I have confidence in them that they can go all the way."

Krol reserved special praise for Mabena, who has netted twice in two games despite his lack of game time this season.

"I am very happy for him. He has done very well and I only hope he can continue to grow as a player," added Krol.

"Having come from the National First Division, it was important that we avoid throwing him in the deep end. Hence, the limited game time this season...it has been a slow and gradual process and we realised after his performances in the CAF Champions League that he was ready to start playing a more meaningful role in the team.

"He is the kind of striker who likes to take on defenders. He is very mobile, and this makes him very useful when it comes to applying pressure on the defenders to deny the opposition any time and space to build from the back."

Krol will be hoping that Mabena and the rest of his charges produce the goods again throughout the tournament as his future at the Parktown club hangs in the balance.