The last few months have been a rollercoaster ride for Orlando Pirates and superstar winger Monnapule Saleng. Let’s remember the good times!
The best player in South Africa in 2023-2023
Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn’t reach those heights but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then grabbed the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There’s no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Born on March 13th, 1998, the mercurial winger turns 27 today. It’s difficult to believe he’s still so young, considering how much water has passed under the bridge.
Goals against Kaizer Chiefs
Saleng scored a match-winning brace against Kaizer Chiefs in March 2024 even though he was in the wilderness and seemingly frozen out of the club at that time. It’s not something that Bucs fans will forget in a hurry.
2024-2025 started well but it’s escalated into drama
Saleng started this campaign well with five goals in 13 outings, including a strike in the MTN8 final, but the second half of 2024-2025 has been a horror show for the player. He hasn’t played a single competitive minute since the turn of the year. Ironically, his last minutes in a Pirates jersey came in a Caf Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly in early December, the club that tried to sign him. The moral of the story here? Put Saleng on ther pitch and he’ll produce goals and assists.
Neo Mokoena is the next big thing
According to SoccerLaduma, Neo Mokoena might be in line for a taste of the Orlando Pirates first-team ahead of schedule. Pirates have dealt with a congested fixture list, compounded by a string of long-term injuries. 21-year-old winger Mokoena has been training with the senior side with Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Teenager Mbokazi has been a massive hit, recently becoming a regular in the heart of defence for Jose Riveiro’s men. Could Mokoena follow suit?
Would you like to send Saleng your birthday wishes?
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