Saleng reveals what tainted Pirates’ chances of winning the league
In-form Orlando Pirates attacker Monnapule Saleng has revealed what tainted the club’s chances of winning the DStv Premiership title this season.
Pirates were tipped as one of the favourites to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the league honours after signing highly-rated players at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
However, the Buccaneers struggled to find a consistent winning form under the guidance of Jose Riveiro at the start of the season.
Despite being the only team to have won a trophy this season, the 2022 MTN8 trophy, the Ghosts struggled to replicate the form that saw them lift the top eight title as their form deteriorated in the Premiership after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Pirates have won 14 games in the league, drawing four while losing eight times in 26 games. They have won seven matches in a row across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Saleng has been the standout performer for the Soweto giants. He has scored 10 goals in the league, chipping in with five assists.
And with Sundowns already crowned league champions for the sixth time in a row, Saleng has revealed what tainted Pirates’ chances of winning the league.
SALENG ON WHAT TAINTED PIRATES’ LEAGUE AMBITIONS
“My hopes for the current season was seeing us at the top of the table,” Saleng said on Pirates TV.
“Looking at how we started the season, I envisioned us being number one on the log. So I think some of the injuries we had in the team were the obstacle.
“The likes of Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch and Thabang Monare getting injured affected us; it affected us badly.
“When you look at the time that most of our players got injured, we had momentum,” Saleng added.
However, it is not all lost for Pirates, as they are in pole position to seal a CAF Champions League spot.
In addition, they will be looking to make it to the final and clinch their second silverware of the season.
They face arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals on the 6th of May at FNB Stadium.
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