Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng has explained what makes the MTN8 cup special for him.
Saleng said the MTN8 cup he won with Pirates on Saturday was his first-ever in his football career.
“God is great all the time. My first season. My first trophy in my career,” he posted on his Facebook page.
Saleng scored a delightful free-kick goal in the 25th minute at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The enterprising player has been on fire of late. He also scored twice when Pirates thrashed fancied Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the cup’s semifinal.
FANS REACT TO SALENG
Saleng’s remarks attracted comments from hundreds of followers, with most of them hailing the player’s hard work.
Pirates fan Nobantu Muntuza Sis No acknowledged the player’s humility.
“Your humbleness and acknowledgement of God for your talent will lift you higher and higher,” he said.
Sphamandla Gumbi took a dig at Pirates’ opponents for failing to win silverware.
“I told them to leave you alone because you are going to win your first trophy while others are nine years without a trophy,” he said.
Motlokoe Maleka gave credit to Pirates coach Jose Riveiro for coming up with a solid game plan.
“Our coach planned very well for the game…After losing Sibisi, there was no panic, unlike in the derby when we lost Maela,” he said.
“The transition from three players at the back to four was smooth….. everyone understood their role.”
Terrence Sthembiso Hlatshwayo showed appreciation for the collective hard work in the squad.
“Over the moon doesn’t begin to describe the feeling tonight. This is not the best Pirates squad we’ve ever had,” Hlatshwayo said.
“These boys have endured a lot of backlash and criticism throughout the year, but they showed up when it mattered the most.”
Nteseng Mokwena also gave credit to the new coach, whose arrival was greeted by doubts from some quarters.
“Let’s give credit to the entire team, the tactical department, the coaching staff, management and foremost importantly, our coach. Riveiro is going to bring us more gold,” Mokwena said.
“I remember telling someone here that let’s give him a chance. He won a trophy in less than six months. He came with a plan, and he executed it very well.”
It was the first MTN trophy for Pirates since the year 2010 when they won it.
The game presented AmaZulu to win some silverware after many years of trophy drought.
However, Usuthu could not provide a response to Saleng’s angled free-kick.
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