Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng has risen head and shoulders above his peers to be crowned the 2022/23 Soccer Laduma Player of the Season.
Read: Chiefs Bosses To Meet Potential Coach?
Yes, he has impressively scored 15 goals and laid on 11 assists in all competitions for Orlando Pirates in the season gone by – but his story goes beyond that.
Not only is it a tale of an unknown Spanish coach in Jose Riveiro giving an opportunity to an equally unknown novice in Saleng in what was arguably one of the club's biggest games earlier this season against Mamelodi Sundowns. Pundits and fans alike were shocked when Saleng's name was mentioned in the starting XI.
Seven months later and it is safe to say that the coach's faith was repaid with some scintillating performances in the black and white, which included match-winning performances.
It is also a tale of a player grabbing the opportunities presented to him.
Saleng was signed by Pirates from Free State Stars at the start of the 2021/22 season – but was immediately loaned out to Swallows FC to gain topflight experience.
Rather than sulk about the move, that nearly saw him suffer relegation in his maiden topflight season, Saleng used the opportunity to absorb information from the Birds' coaches and acclimatize to the demands of the DStv Premiership.
When Pirates took the decision to recall him to their squad, they were met by a player who was hungry, fearless and eager to prove that he was indeed worthy of representing the Soweto giants.
Now a regular fixture in Bafana Bafana and playing a critical part in Pirates' cup double of the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, Saleng was voted by his peers as their Player of the Season at the recently held PSL awards.
To crown off what has been a fine individual performance, Saleng rightfully walks away with the 2022/23 Soccer Laduma Player of the Season crown despite some tough competition from Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane!
Read: FIFA Come Down Hard On Royal AM
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
