Saleng Reveals Other PSL Options Before Landing Pirates Move

Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng has revealed he could have so easily ended up at one of their DStv Premiership rivals before his move to the Buccaneers.

Saleng, 25, has been the revelation of the season and one of the favourites for the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season award.

In his 18 games played in the league this season, the first start, which arrived in match week nine, he’s netted 10 goals and registered five assists.

It marks an incredible breakout season at the Soweto giants, as he lives up to the potential he showcased in the third and second-tier with Orbit College and Free State Stars, where he was a prolific goalscorer.

“I started playing professional soccer in the ABC Motespe League, I was playing for Junior Pirates in North West, then I went to Orbit where I spent three seasons. After Orbit, before Free State [Stars], I went to AmaZulu for an assessment,” Saleng revealed via Pirates TV.

“I go to AmaZulu for an assessment, then Golden Arrows offered me a first-team contract but I ended up at Free State Stars, I spent two seasons at Free State Stars.

“The first season I was adjusting to the conditions, the second season, I became the top goal scorer at Free State Stars, then Pirates approached me and gave me a contract.”

The South Africa international winger admits the loan move last season to Swallows was a major step for his growth towards shining in the top-flight this season.

While it yielded only two goals and as many assists, Saleng was a regular feature for the Dube Birds and played 29 games in all competitions, surrounded by an experienced crop of players – who he admits played a major role in his belief.

“I learned a lot at Swallows, because I arrived during a time of experienced players, such as Vuyo Mere, Cheeseboy Mokoena, Muse Nyatama, Thela Ngobeni and a lot more players,” he explained. 

“So when you arrive there, you find experienced players, who play in the PSL and they give you the motivation and they build you as a player because it’s your first season [in the top-flight], the tempo of the NFD isn’t the same obviously.”

Having steered Pirates to the MTN8 title, Saleng will now be aiming to help them secure CAF Champions League football and the Nedbank Cup trophy for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.