As the focus for many will be on whether Monnapule Saleng will finally reclaim his place in the Orlando Pirates squad for the CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly on Saturday, some advice has been offered about the player.
Saleng, 26, last featured for the Buccaneers against the Egyptian giants in their first round match in Orlando in December.
Read: What Is The Future Like For Saleng At Pirates
While the speedy winger has been a notable absentee from coach Jose Riveiro's matchday squads in recent weeks, there have been varied reports on what could be the reason - as some have suggested that it could be due to personal issues, while others have pointed to tactical reasons.
Whatever the case might be, Saleng has proved to be one of the key players for Pirates and a fan favourite, and he was influential with his performances when the team defended the MTN8 again earlier in the season.
A concerned former Pirates player believes that the Bloemhof-born star still has a big role to play at the Soweto giants.
"All I can say about Monnapule Saleng is that he is a player that Pirates need, and I know that he is a player that Pirates have always protected like all the other players. He is a player that Pirates loves. He is loved by the Pirates family, and I am talking about his teammates, coaches, and everyone at the club. He is a player that is valued at Pirates," said James Mothibi, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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"Saleng is a player that has contributed positively at Pirates and therefore it will be very difficult to allow someone like that to leave, especially as he has been dealing with personal issues, as far as I understand. The team is there for him and rightfully so, because I believe we shouldn't just give up on someone in such a situation," the ex-Bucs striker added.
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