Orlando Pirates star sent warning by former Kaizer Chiefs coach

A former Kaizer Chiefs coach has warned an Orlando Pirates star against buying into the hype.

Pirates star Monnapule Saleng has emerged as one to watch for the future, and right now, but Ernst Middendorp has cautioned him against believing the hype.

Kaizer Chiefs mentor warns Orlando Pirates star

Middendorp says that the elevation of Saleng to star level is an indictment of South African football.

He told Soccer Laduma: “That’s the problem we have here in South Africa. 

“How many players…in the moment, Saleng…look at at Saleng, he played one good game and did one good one against one and now he is a big star. 

“Nonsense! He is a player with potential. But he needs to be able to understand that the future is in his own hands, and I’m meaning it…you have to be strong, you have to use your own individual brilliance and Saleng for example, his body is not prepared for international competitions, no chance.”

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A better candidate for Bafana

Middendorp believes his former charge at Maritzburg United, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, is far better prepared for international football. 

“Sanisa (Bongokuhle Hlongwane) worked in the gym. He understood what he had to do, additional training. He understood that he had to be stronger,” said Middendorp.

Orlando Pirates man needs to stay grounded

The former Chiefs coach believes coaches need to temper the hype and keep players grounded.

He admits this is challenging in the PSL and at clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

“Coaches should be very clearly structured. We are not mentoring and pushing the players adequately. Okay, coaches are probably doing it but the number of players, probably two or three out of 10 are able to listen and are able to understand to be self-disciplined to understand why coaches are pushing them and mentoring them into the direction. 

“A huge number of players don’t listen. They say, ‘This coach doesn’t like me or what does he want because I’m outstanding? The media likes me, journalists are my friends and I’m the player of the moment,’” the coach added.

“This goal that Saleng scored against AmaZulu, for example, it’s a shame. That was a huge goalkeeper mistake. But it is like a goal of the season, and I can only laugh about it. 

“It’s absolutely nonsense. It is a normal shot and it is in the direction and the goalkeeper should have caught the ball and start a counter-attack. 

“It’s my opinion. Now you guys in the media and the teammates (of Saleng) and whoever are making a huge noise about it, nonsense,” Middendorp wrapped up.