Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare feels Monnapule Saleng is capable of winning the Footballer of the Season award, but has stressed the importance of giving the club's top scorer this season a chance to grow without putting pressure on him.
Saleng first received an opportunity to impress in October, after not featuring in August and September, and has not looked back since, proving to be a key component in the Buccaneers attack.
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With eight goals and three assists in all competitions, the former Free State Stars man has stood out as one of Pirates' best players and there are some calls on social media platforms for the player to be considered for the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
"It's very tricky for now to say that (he will be footballer of the season), because we are a team that is growing a game at a time. I feel like sometimes we get in the way of allowing players to grow. I think we should allow Saleng to grow to be the great footballer that he is and let's not put him under pressure. He is playing for a team and he is a very good player," Monare told media after the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw was conducted in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Wednesday evening.
"I don't think that statement of saying he might be footballer of the season... Yes, he is capable of that, but we are a team and we are working together.
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"I feel like people are not allowing him time to grow. I think that that's the pressure we get under as footballers. We feel like we have to do certain things."
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