Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro explained why last season’s star attacker Monnapule Saleng has been used sporadically this season and why he believes that he is well on his way to rediscovering his form.
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Saleng proved that he is a man for the big occasion.
The 25-year-old had not featured in three matches prior to his surprise selection in Saturday’s Soweto Derby but as he has done in the past, rose to the occasion.
In a dazzling performance, Saleng managed to score two goals, the last of which proved to be the difference in a thrilling 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs.
Unsurprisingly, the attacker was on the receiving end of some high praise from his coach after the match, who gave a detailed explanation behind the player’s inconsistent form this season, when speaking to journalists in the post-match press conference.
"He didn't have the best first half of the season for multiple reasons. Again, that we cannot discuss in this space. In the AFCON break, I think he did a very good job during the second pre-season that we had. The training matches, he came in to play Sundowns in Pretoria [he did not do] a bad job. And then we couldn't have continued with him for something simple like a flu. That separated him from the 20 when we travelled to Polokwane, if I'm not wrong," Riveiro told journalists at the FNB Stadium after the clash.
"And then we used the game against Crystal Lake to see other options, [and] other players. And Wednesday could have been an option from the bench because he was ready to play. And in the end I decided to do something different and keep Saleng ready to play this game the way the way he did it.
"So, he's not a forgotten player, that's for sure. He showed it today [Saturday]. He needs our support as well our help to be again the Saleng that everybody had the opportunity to see the last season and he is right now is doing the right steps,” he continued.
Saleng has managed four goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season.
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