Lepasa is on fire. Image: SABC Sport
Orlando Pirates star enjoying himself again
Saleng is back in the groove. What did Riveiro tell him?
Lepasa is on fire. Image: SABC Sport
Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng picked the best possible moment to reinvigorate his season.
Orlando Pirates beat Chiefs in a five-goal thriller
Monnapule Saleng has been a bit-part player for the Buccaneers this season. Last term he dazzled with 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions. In 2023/24, however, he has been a shadow of himself, but the 25-year-old reminded us of his class with a match-winning brace against Chiefs. Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro took a big gamble by replacing Karim Kimvuidi with Saleng. It paid rich dividends. Pirates will feel vindicated after dominating large spells of the match and having a couple of penalty shouts turned down. The Sea Robbers produced six shots on target to Chiefs’ two and enjoyed 58% of the possession.
What did Jose Riveiro tell Saleng?
Before the Soweto Derby, Bucs boss Jose Riveiro urged Monnapule Saleng to simply go out and enjoy himself. Enjoy himself he did, with a match-winning brace against the old enemy. It just goes to show what confidence can do for a footballer.
When are the Buccaneers next in action?
Riveiro’s defending Nedbank Cup champions host Hungry Lions in the Round of 16 in that tournament on Saturday 16 April at 18:00. Their next league encounter is on the 30th of March away to Sekhukhune at 17:45.
Mbatha is in the bag
According to Soccer-Laduma, a deal is already on the table for 24-year-old central midfielder Thalente Mbatha. He’s on loan from SuperSport United.
“He has only played three games for the club. But the technical team feels he is one of the missing pieces to the midfield puzzle at the club. That is why they have started talks with SuperSport United for him to stay beyond the loan deal. That’s why they want to keep him for a long time and he has been offered a three-year deal if he stays on from next season. The technical team is happy with his contribution and performance and it means they want to see him stay longer at the club,” said one source.
Mbatha started consecutive league appearances against Polokwane and Cape Town Spurs. He claimed an assist against the latter and made a cameo appearance off the bench in Saturday’s Derby win over Chiefs.
The player isn’t short on confidence, after telling News24 “I tell myself I am the best also,” in a recent story.
Mbatha and Thabiso Lebitso, scorer in Saturday’s Derby, arrived on the same day during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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