Saturday at 3.30 p.m. at the FNB Stadium, Orlando Pirates will take the field against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Monnapule Saleng, a rising star with the Buccaneers, is anticipated to have a significant impact on the Soweto derby.
The 24-year-old forward has recently delivered dazzling displays against Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns and will look to herald his arrival prior to a sold-out match against Amakhosi.
Saleng was relatively inconsequential at the start of the 2022-2023 season, but he has exploded onto the scene of late, scoring four goals in his last two games.
Prior to the highly anticipated Soweto derby, Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro addressed the media and attributed Saleng’s form to his team’s positive attitude in camp.
“Saleng, like every other player, benefits from his surrounding environment. Riveiro explained, “It’s easier to play when you’re surrounded by good players like he is.”
“When one player excels on the field, it is because he is receiving help from numerous areas.
“I believe it’s good to have players shine, and you will always put the players in the spotlight if they score goals or do some nice tricks, but there are things that are far more essential that happen before and after that in order to form a team with balance, the ability to protect a lead, etc.
“I would like to see you put more players in the spotlight in the future, as that will likely result in more goals being scored by others.”
When asked if he was concerned about Saleng’s recent behavior during this era, Riveiro was quick to dispel any notion of complacency on the side of his man in red-hot form.
“I do not believe this to be true. It’s just a boy who wants to play football, has a great time every morning in training, and continues to enjoy himself during games. Because he simply wants to play football, he is taking this action.”