In a scintillating clash between fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNT Stadium, Pirates emerged victorious in the five-goal thriller, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Saleng’s inclusion in the starting line-up raised eyebrows but ultimately proved to be a stroke of genius. Prior to this game, Saleng had only started six of the 20 league matches for the Pirates this season, a stark contrast to his 20 starts in the previous campaign.
Riveiro, shedding light on Saleng’s journey, mentioned, “Saleng didn’t have the best first half of the season for multiple reasons, which we cannot discuss in this space.”
During the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations break, Saleng’s dedication shone through as he excelled in the second pre-season.
Despite facing setbacks, including a bout of flu that kept him out of the squad during the Polokwane City trip, Saleng showcased his resilience. Riveiro explained, “He is not a forgotten player, that’s for sure. He needs our support to be the Saleng that everybody had the opportunity to see last season. Right now, he’s taking the right steps.”
The thrilling encounter against Chiefs saw Saleng not only score twice but also provide the assist for Thabiso Lebitso’s crucial goal. Ashley du Preez, striking twice for Chiefs in the first half, added intensity to the fierce rivalry. Riveiro praised Saleng’s readiness and expressed satisfaction with the decision to keep him ready for the game.
With this impactful performance, Saleng’s goal tally for the season now stands at four. The speedy winger aims to build on this momentum as Pirates gear up to face Hungry Lions on 16 March in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.