Orlando Pirates top goal scorer Monnapule Saleng has shared his feelings about his first Soweto derby experience against Kaizer Chiefs and gave a hint on why they lost.
Saleng, who was on form prior to his first derby against Chiefs in October last year, had a losing experience after a stunning Yusuf Maart goal gave Amakhosi a narrow 1-0 win.
The former Free State Stars winger has shared his feelings about his first derby experience and admitted that the mood changes in the camp ahead of the biggest clash in South African football.
Read: Why Saleng Hit The Ground Running At Pirates
"Going to the derby, it feels different, the mood changes, it is not the same as other games, even during the camp the mood is different," Saleng said in an interview with Pirates media.
A lot was expected from the Buccaneers in that derby, particularly from Saleng, after he scored a brace in a 3-0 thrashing of Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg.
The North West native hinted that they were not at their best coming from a big win over Sundowns prior to facing Chiefs.
"On my first derby, a lot of things happened, especially after the MTN8 game (against Sundowns). It was a difficult time, honestly speaking it was tough," he said.
"A lot has happened but we won't dwell too much on it because they might sound like excuses."
The 25-year old continued and said that the loss against Chiefs prepared them for the MTN8 final, where they went on to beat AmaZulu 1-0, because they wanted the trophy badly.
"Our loss in the Soweto derby prepared us for the MTN8 final because we really wanted the MTN8 trophy," he went on.
"We wanted it with our body, heart and soul. I think the derby loss helped us even though we lost but we never intended to lose but the loss helped us going to the final," he added.
Chiefs beat Pirates for the fifth consecutive game in the league after edging them 1-0 again in February this year.
The two Soweto giants will meet for third time this season in the Nedbank Cup semi-final next weekend.
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