Saleng’s Message To Riveiro & Dr. Khoza

Monnapule Saleng has reflected on the past season’s success, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and coach Jose Riveiro.

Saleng, who had returned from his loan at Swallows FC in the ahead of the 2022/23 season, acknowledged that they struggled to adapt and understand what coach Riveiro wanted from them initially, as he just joined the club during the off season.

It led to Saleng seeing little game-time in the start, but once October came, it was when he showed up, scoring twice against Golden Arrows in what were his first goals in Black and White colours in the league in Durban.

Soon after, he followed that with another two goals as Pirates brushed Mamelodi Sundowns aside 3-0 in the MTN8 semi-final second leg in Polokwane.

In fact, Saleng was involved in all the three goals, setting up Kermit Erasmus for the first, when he beat Aubrey Modiba with pace before Erasmus headed in from six yard out.  

Saleng was also the main man in the MTN8 final, scoring the winner over AmaZulu in November as Pirates became the most successful club to have won the MTN8 trophy since the telecommunication company took over in 2008.

The 25-year-old ended the 2022/23 campaign with 15 goals in 30 games in all competitions, along with 11 assists. The last assist was key in seeing Pirates claim the double, setting up Terrence Dzvukamanja in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Stadium last weekend.   

After he was named MTN8 Last Man Standing, the best player in the Wafa Wafa Cup and claimed the Players’ Player of the Season, which is voted for by players in the premier division, he sent a message to his coach and club chairman Dr. Khoza.

“I want to thank the coach (Jose Riveiro) in his first season, yes he struggled to adapt in the PSL, but he was patient with us until we adapted to his style and the way he wanted us to play,” said Saleng.   

“So I’m so happy for him and happy for the chairman Irvin Khoza for believing in me and senior players helped me to push me and see the potential.

“I pushed myself because I did extra training sessions and I think that helped for my season because since I’m playing, it has been the whole season non-stop.”

As Pirates also finished second, they will feature in the CAF Champions League next term for the first time since 2019.