Orlando Pirates legend worried for Saleng
Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale has been following the massive story on Monnapule Saleng.
It’s been four months, and Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng remains mysteriously out of action.
EDWARD MOTALE IS WORRIED
Orlando Pirates supporters last saw Saleng in the 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout in October 2024. With the 26-year-old Buccaneer not injured, journalists have been asking coach Jose Riveiro for answers, but the Spaniard has kept saying the matter is highly sensitive and confidential. Meanwhile, Saleng has been called up in the latest Bafana Bafana squad which is for the CHAN tournament (only locally-based players).
“I’ve no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally,” Motale told FARPost. “I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng.”
“He’s missed a lot of games in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Derby and the clash against Sundowns. But that’s all in the past. The call-up offers him a chance to start afresh. He revealed what his words to Saleng would be if he were his coach.
“He needs to be told that he’s here; this is the national team. Forget about what is happening around you. Just focus on the game. Play your game. If I was a coach, those are the words I’d tell him. To say we didn’t call you here for the sake of it. We called you because we know what you’re capable of and know you can add value. This is his a healing stage for him,” added the former Orlando Pirates defender.
“It’s a blessing this call-up; it’s gonna restart him and put him in a place where he can start afresh. It’s gonna help him too much.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH EDWARD MOTALE?
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