Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has heaped praise on one of his star players, highlighting their remarkable endurance and tireless work ethic.
The Soweto giants boasts a squad brimming with players who consistently deliver top-notch performances whenever given the opportunity.
This was evident on Saturday, October 5th, as Riveiro and Pirates etched their names in history by clinching the MTN8 title for the third consecutive time. The Buccaneers overcame a resilient Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
In previous MTN8 finals, the Soweto giants triumphed over AmaZulu FC and their crosstown rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
WHICH ORLANDO PIRATES STAR IS JOSE RIVEIRO TALKING ABOUT
Riveiro says star attacker Monnapule Saleng never gets tired whenever he’s given an opportunity to represent the club. The Bafana Bafana international was a major doubt for the MTN8 final due to an injury.
However, he passed a late fitness test and started the match. In addition, he made an impression as he levelled matters against the Stellies to bring Pirates back into the match.
“It’s important [to have him in the team]. He [Saleng] managed to score one more time [in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC]. He was a permanent threat in the 90 minutes,” said Riveiro.
“He never gets tired. He’s always a threat after five minutes and 90 minutes. It was a difficult week for the boy to make it possible but at the end we managed to have him here to be part of this MTN8.”
So far this season, the 26-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions. He found the back of the net four times and grabbed one assist.
Saleng is inline to feature when Pirates take on AmaZulu FC in their next encounter in the Betway Premiership match later in October after the FIFA international break.
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