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.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was proud to see his side secure their place in the final of the Carling Knockout with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Richards Bay on Saturday.
Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned his side against complacency heading into their Carling Knockout semi-final with Marumo Gallants on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates secured their place in a second cup final this season after edging Richards Bay FC 1-0 in the Carling Knockout semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Marumo Gallants head coach Alexandre Lafitte is keeping his focus firmly on Sunday's Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Golden Arrows, as the young French tactician looks to guide his side to a historic final appearance.
