Monnapule Saleng is the talk of the town ahead of the Soweto derby, and his coach at Orlando Pirates, Jose Riveiro, has explained why the attacker has hit top form.
Saleng has been producing consistent displays, capturing the hearts of the Pirates supporters in the process.
The 24-year-old left several top stars, such as Andile Jali, Aubrey Modiba and Rushine de Reuck, for dead with his silky skills in the recent MTN8 semifinal, in which Pirates won 3-0 over two legs.
In six games so far this season, Saleng has scored four goals, a brace against Sundowns and Golden Arrows and has several assists to his name.
Riveiro credits Saleng’s incredible form to the good players around him at Pirates.
“Saleng, like any other player, is getting the benefit of the environment he has around,” Riveiro told the media during the Soweto Derby press conference in Johannesburg.
“It is easy to play when you are surrounded by good players like he is, so when one player is shining on the field is because he is getting support in many different departments.
“I think it’s nice seeing players shining, and you would always put the players in the spotlight if they score goals or you can do some nice tricks.
“But there are things that are much more important that happen before and after a game in order to create balance and the capacity to protect a result and consolidate a lead.”
The Spaniard says he wants to see more of his players doing well so they can be in the spotlight.
“So, I would like to see more players in the spotlight because that will mean others are scoring goals and doing well,” he said.
Pirates will host Chiefs in what promises to be a cracker of a DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon [15:30].
