Orlando Pirates in-form winger, Monnapule Saleng has expressed how he almost joined Kaizer Chiefs while playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for Free State Stars, and how he is still hurt to some extent by its failure to materialize.
Saleng was snapped up by Pirates ahead of the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season, but he was sent out on loan to Swallows to get much needed game time and to gain top flight experience.
The speedy attacker was recalled by the Buccaneers at the start of the current season, after his impressive showing that helped Swallows to maintain their PSL status. Saleng revealed that he grew up supporting Amakhosi and almost joined the club, but the deal did not materialize.
“It was difficult for me after not joining Chiefs. But such things happen in football. I thought I was going to play for Chiefs because their scout came to watch me at Free State Stars, and it was promising, but I don’t know what happened for the move to fall through,” Saleng told the SAFA media department.
“I think such things happen in football because I ended up playing for Pirates. Chiefs delayed in finalizing the deal while I was at Free State Stars. I really don’t know what happened but I just ended up with Pirates,” he added.
The 24-year old star has been a live wire in attack for Pirates under new coach Jose Riveiro. Saleng has made eight appearances, scoring five goals in all competitions, including a solitary strike that guided the Sea Robbers to the MTN8 final triumph against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium more than a week ago.
“I work very hard at training and my teammates are always pushing me to do more, and the experience of the players around me has been helping me a lot. Also, I’m playing the way that the coach wants me to play. I must use my speed, and as a winger you have to take defenders on, and I have been putting the hard work in training,” Saleng said.
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