"I am naturally a hard worker" - Monnapule Saleng
By Neo Poho
Orlando Pirates' Monnapule Saleng has revealed some of the factors that have contributed to his rise and great run of form in the Orlando Pirates team and the DSTV Premiership 2022/23 season.
Saleng who started playing football in the ABC Motsepe League for Junior Pirates in North West went on to play for Orbit college before going for an assessment at AmaZulu.
The 25 year old's career then went on in leaps and bounds as Golden Arrows offered him a first team contract however, he opted to join Free State Stars where he spent two seasons before heading to Soweto to join Orlando Pirates.
Things didn't really start well at Pirates as he was loaned to Swallows FC in 2021 before returning back to the Buccaneers.
With the 2022/23 DSTV Premiership campaign about to wrap up, Saleng has been one of the most prolific players for Pirates scoring 10 goals in the league so far and also becoming influential in Pirates' success particularly the MTN 8 triumph last year.
Reflecting on his overall performance this season at Orlando Pirates, Saleng is happy with the way things have unfolded but reiterates that there's more to be done.
"When I returned back to the team[Orlando Pirates] from the loan at Swallows I really didn't get that much game time, especially not making it in the starting XI, but I was not moved because I was genuinely happy with the players that were given a chance to play.
I believe that we are a team so we have to support each other and support the first XI that has been selected by the coach to start the match, I was very patient and I knew my time would come," Saleng said.
Saleng who has also seen the Buccaneers supporters show their love and support to him in an enormous way, alludes that he is grateful for the love and support he always receives from the Buccaneers faithful.
"I am extremely happy with the way the supporters of Orlando Pirates have reacted to my contribution and performance in the club, I am also pleased to always see them at the stadiums to support us, it shows that they are behind us and delighted with our performances."
Saleng who played a pivotal role in helping Pirates to win the MTN 8 Cup against AmaZulu in the final last year described that moment as one of his biggest highlights this season.
"Winning the MTN 8 with Pirates was one of my biggest accomplishments and I was really happy and excited because that is one of the accomplishments that I can describe as a dream that became a reality.
The MTN 8 triumph also taught me to never doubt yourself as an individual because you will never know what the future awaits so I am really grateful and happy that I managed to help the team win the Cup and retain it," Saleng added.
The Bafana Bafana international who was also part of the squad that defeated Liberia to qualify for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, believes his biggest motivation is himself and the way he delivers his work ethic.
"I am naturally a hard worker, when I am given a specific instruction to do I will execute it with an open heart therefore I don't need any motivation from outside, my work ethic drives me and that's how I have always been from a young age."
Saleng who also has aspirations of playing in the CAF Champions League next season will look to help his side finish second on the log with four matches remaining in the league.
Pirates are currently third on the log standings trailing second place SuperSport United by 1 point, they next face TS Galaxy on the 29th of April before welcoming Royal AM on the third of May.
Pirates will then turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals as they take on arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on the 6th of May before concluding their season with Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu on the 13th and 20th of May respectively.
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