Orlando Pirates forward Monnapule Saleng has revealed his emotions grabbing the opportunity to score goals when the team was struggling for results.
Pirates had a slow start to the season and struggled to score more than one goal in a number of matches but their fortunes changed after Saleng, who was out on loan at Swallows the previous campaign, was first introduced in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Motsepe Foundation Championship top goal-scorer, went on to cement his spot in the team going to league matches and turned Pirates' season around with a brace against Golden Arrows, scoring for the first time in the Black and White colours.
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Saleng says what gave him encouragement was that his teammates welcomed him with both hands after he returned from his loan spell at the Birds.
"When I was called back I felt happy because I knew that I needed to compete for my space. As for the players I appreciated how they welcomed me. They were so happy when I returned to the team," Saleng said in an interview with Pirates media.
"My first game was against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8, then my second game was against Sekhukhune (United) but I did not play the entire game, I played the last minute.
"My third game was against Golden Arrows where I scored a brace. I was really happy after scoring that brace because at that time we were not producing any results around that time," he said.
Saleng also went on to score a famous brace in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg where they thrashed Sundowns 3-0 and scored another big goal in the final against AmaZulu where Pirates won 1-0 and lifted the cup.
"So scoring obviously helped the team and not playing for months, getting the opportunity to play, you use it to help the team," he continued.
"Your teammates are there encouraging and pushing you. On the other hand you are also performing, that gives you more encouragement," he added.
The left-footed winger, who idolized Arjen Robben growing up, is chasing a top goal-scorer award with ten goals in the DStv Premiership, equal with Bradley Grobler of SuperSport United and one goal behind leading goal-scorer Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile.
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