Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng has stated what makes him thrive at the Soweto giants.
Saleng has been a standout performer for the Sea Robbers this season since his breakthrough to the starting line-up back in October 2022.
He turned hero after scoring the winning goal in the MTN8 final against AmaZulu FC.
The Bafana Bafana international is a contender for the Footballer of the Season. So far this season, the 25-year-old has made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists.
His performances impressed Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who gave Saleng a national team call-up for friendly matches against Mozambique and Angola in November 2022.
Saleng was again called for back-to-back AFCON qualifiers against Liberia in March.
SALENG IS A HARD WORKER ON AND OFF THE FIELD
According to Saleng, his good form is a result of hard work both on and off the field.
“I think the way I train, I’m a hard worker and that’s how I am,” Saleng told PiratesTV.
“When given a specific instruction, I will follow those instructions with an open heart. If you say I should run for 90 minutes, I will run 90 minutes.
“I push myself, I don’t always wait for the coaches’ instructions. I’m always working, the coach’s instructions will guide me where he feels I need guidance.
“After every game, I need to feel that I have worked hard enough. That’s my attitude since I was young. Everything that I do, I should be first.”
Saleng is in line to face TS Galaxy on Sunday 30 April at Mbombela Stadium in a league time as The Bucs continue their pursuit of finishing in the second spot to play CAF Champions League next season.
Kickoff is at 3pm.
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