Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has spoken about his fallout with Monnapule Saleng.
The speedy winger had a good relationship with Riveiro during his time with the Buccaneers, but things changed last season.
After helping the Pirates win the MTN8 title, Saleng was used sparingly until December, when he did not even make the matchday squad. The 27-year-old has not played for the club since December last year due to an alleged salary dispute with the Buccaneers‘ management.
Riveiro, who landed in South Africa on Sunday for the Carling Knockout Cup Campaign Media Update, opened up about his relationship with Saleng and what went wrong.
“Early in the [2024/25]season,” Riveiro told Rober Marawa on 947 about his first incident with Saleng.
“He had a good pre-season and if I remember correctly, our first game of the season against Polokwane City at home, we were leading 1-0 and Saleng scored the opening goal, actually just before half time. But I wasn’t happy with his performance in the first 45 minutes,” said the former Pirates coach.
“I tried to find out what was going on because he was not himself in those 45 minutes. We know Saleng very well and what he is capable of on the field.”
Jose Riveiro describes how his relationship with Saleng collapsed
The Spaniard said he was harsh in the dressing room and that was the beginning of his sour relationship with the winger.
“During halftime, you don’t have time to be kind and convince someone to play and not play. We make quick decisions,” Riveiro said.
During pre-season, Saleng was loaned out to Orbit College by Pirates. He has since rediscovered his form, which saw him become one of the best wingers in the PSL/
“I am happy that Monnapule is playing football again and helping his team,” Riveiro added. Hopefully, it could be the beginning of good things for him because he is a good boy and deserves good things,” said the ex-Pirates coach.