+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Monnapule Saleng of South Africa.Backpagepix.
Seth Willis

Orlando Pirates legend Motale urges Mkhalele to 'boost Monnapule Saleng's mental strength' - 'This is a healing stage for him’

The winger has been out of action for three months after being put in the cold by the Soweto giants.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Saleng last played for Bucs in December
  • Since then he has not tasted a competitive game
  • He is in Bafana squad for Chan outing
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Monnapule Saleng, Orlando PiratesGOAL

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Monnapule Saleng started the season quite well, scoring five goals and providing an assist in the 13 games played across all competitions.

    However, since December 7, the 26-year-old has not featured for the Soweto giants for reasons that are not clear to the public.

    • Advertisement
  • Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates Backpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite his absence from the Pirates squad, Saleng is seen as a vital player for the country.

    Recently, Bafana Bafana tactician Helman Mkhalele included him in his team that will play Egypt in the 2024 Chan qualifier.

    It came as a shock to many, but Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale believes it is a massive chance to underline his importance and value.

  • Helman Mkhalele, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    WHAT MOTALE SAID

    “I’ve got no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the Chan qualifier. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally,” he told FARPost.

    “I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng. But I’m happy they have a professional set-up and a coach like Helman Mkhalele who understands this. He understands these things and will know how to deal with 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 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 a healing stage for him," Motale concluded.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Monnapule Saleng of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    WHAT NEXT?

    The first leg will be played on Friday in Mzansi with the second one coming on March 9 in Egypt.

    It is a massive chance for Saleng to show what he can offer not only to the country but the club as well.

    His current deal with the Soweto giants expires in June but the club has an option to extend it by two years.

0