Sibisi, Ndlondlo, Saleng: Who is Orlando Pirates’ most in-form player?
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Monnapule Saleng and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo have stood out as Orlando Pirates’ in-form players. The trio joined the Pirates this season and have put up fine displays for the Soweto giants.
Nkosinathi Sibisi was named man-of-the-match in Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants, while Monnapule Saleng sunk his fourth league goal of the season, making him Bucs’ leading top scorer.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlodlo scored his third league goal of the season against his former team. The pint-sized midfielder was also on target in Pirates’ last encounter, a convincing 4-1 win over Stellenbosch FC.
BUT WHO IS ORLANDO PIRATES’ MOST IN-FORM PLAYER?
Interestingly, OptaJabu has singled out Monnapule Saleng as the most in-form player for Orlando Pirates this season after bringing his tally, in all competitions, to seven.
The speedy winger first joined Pirates in the 2021/22 season after he had an impressive season with Free State Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
In the 2020/21 season, Saleng was named the top goal-scorer in the second tier. His love for the net saw him help the now-defunct Free State Stars finish fifth, contributing 13 goals all season.
However, his DStv Premiership career for Pirates had to be delayed. Saleng spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Swallows, where his goal-scoring abilities did not show.
WHY MONNAPULE SALENG IS ORLANDO PIRATES’ BEST PLAYER SO FAR
Since coming back to Pirates this season, Saleng’s contribution has been impactful and influential.
According to OptaJabu, the 24-year-old is the first Pirates player this season to be involved in 10 goals for the Soweto giants.
In 13 games, Saleng has seven goals and three assists in all competitions.
One of his goals helped Pirates lift the MTN 8 last year in November after winning 1-0 against AmaZulu.
However, his impact and influence in the MTN 8 did not only start in the finals. On the way to the finals, Saleng shocked the then-reigning MTN 8 champions in Mamelodi Sundowns.
Saleng’s dreadful runs through Sundowns’ defence saw him score two goals, which helped Pirates progress to the finals.
WILL THE IN-FORM SALENG CAUSE THREAT TO SUNDOWNS’ DEFENCE AGAIN?
Pirates take on their arch-rivals from the capital on Saturday, 4 February 2023. And despite them demolishing Sundowns in the MTN 8 in the first half of the season. Their league form against them has been poor.
Even though Saleng did not score in the league against Sundowns earlier this season. Will he change his fortunes and channel the form that he had against them in the MTN 8?
Well, it will remain to be seen at the Orlando Stadium.
RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates slapped with fine by the PSL