Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal of the game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday in the 42nd minute.
But despite the defeat, Gabriel felt his side acquitted themselves well against the more experienced cup campaigners, who will now face one of Golden Arrows or Marimo Gallants in the final.
Speaking after the game, the head coach said in the Citizen: "First I must say it was a commendable display by the group.
"We gave Pirates numerous nervous moments right to the final whistle, it even ended up with them resorting to time-delaying tactics such that even their goalkeeper [Sipho Chaine] ended up with a yellow card.
"So, very seldom do you see a Pirates team under so much pressure and siege. We are disappointed with the result, but in terms of the performance, we are not disappointed, I feel that it was a gracious defeat.
"We accept this result, but we must take the positives out of it and continue to grow in our league performances."
The Natal Rich Boyz are next in Betway Premiership action against Durban City at home on November 23.
Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has been named as one of the assistant coaches for the Carling All Stars ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Cemran Dansin is still buzzing from the goal that earned him the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month award—his very first in South Africa's top-flight.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has highlighted Relebohile Mofokeng as the embodiment of the club's long-term vision, insisting the young midfielder represents the mentality required to drive the Buccaneers to the league title.
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi says he will not disappoint as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in the United States.
