Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward ‘Magents’ Motale has singled out his biggest fear about troubled Bucs winger Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng is currently facing challenges related to his situation with Pirates. The 26-year-old winger last played on December 7, 2024, against Al Ahly in a CAF Champions League Group C match, which ended in a goalless draw.
That high-profile fixture marked his 13th appearance for the Bucs this season. The Bloemhof-born star has scored five goals this season. Interestingly, Saleng has not been training with the club lately, as he is back home in the North West.
The former Free State Stars forward will be out of contract in June, although the club retains the option to extend his deal. Helman Mkhalele’s recent call-up for the CHAN qualifier against Egypt on Friday gives him hope. The Buccaneers have granted his release to the national team, which is a positive indication amidst the speculation surrounding the ongoing dispute.
WHAT ADVICE MAGENTS MOTALE HAS OFFERED SALENG
“I’ve no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally,” Motale told FARPost. “I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng.”
Motale, however, trusts that Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele will handle the talented winger well. Mkhalele will be in charge of the CHAN squad, assisted by national Under 20 coach Raymond Mdaka.
“But I’m happy they have a professional set-up and a coach like Helman Mkhalele who understands this. He understands these things and will know how to deal with Saleng,” he added.
The Pirates legend also believes that the call-up is a significant morale boost for the attacker and could ignite something within him. “He’s missed a lot of games in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Derby and the clash against Sundowns. But that’s all in the past. The call-up offers him a chance to start afresh. He revealed what his words to Saleng would be if he were his coach.
“He needs to be told that he’s here; this is the national team. Forget about what is happening around you. Just focus on the game. Play your game. If I was a coach, those are the words I’d tell him. To say we didn’t call you here for the sake of it. We called you because we know what you’re capable of and know you can add value. This is his a healing stage for him,” stated Motale.
“It’s a blessing this call-up; it’s gonna restart him and put him in a place where he can start afresh. It’s gonna help him too much.”
Bafana will host Egypt on Friday in Bloemfontein before visiting the Pharaohs in Cairo on Sunday, 9 March.
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