Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes winger Monnapule Saleng is on the verge of rediscovering the form that earned him the PSL Players’ Player of the Season award in 2022/23.

Saleng, who joined the club simultaneously with Riveiro’s appointment in June 2022, made a significant impact in his debut season.

He featured in 30 matches across all competitions, showcasing impressive form with 15 goals and 11 assists. His standout performances included a brace against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinal and the winning goal in the final against AmaZulu.

Saleng’s contributions extended to the Nedbank Cup, where he provided the assist for the winning goal against Sekhukhune United.

However, Saleng’s performance dipped last season, with reduced playing time and inconsistent form. While he still produced moments of brilliance, particularly in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, his overall impact was diminished. Despite Pirates retaining both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, Saleng’s goal and assist tally dropped to five each in 27 matches.

The current season has started promisingly for Saleng, as he played a pivotal role in Pirates’ 3-1 victory over SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarterfinal on Saturday. He set up the opening goal for Olisa Ndah, before getting his name on the score sheet, finishing the smart free kick at the back post.  

Patrick Maswanganyi, who succeeded him in the PSL Players’ Player of the Season, released Saleng but when he was trying to round off Ricardo Goss, his ball fell kindly to Evidence Makgopa to slot into the empty net.  

This resurgence has sparked speculation about Saleng’s potential to become a key player for Pirates once again. Riveiro expressed optimism about the winger’s return to form, highlighting his impressive performances during the pre-season in Spain.

“I wish,” Riveiro said of Saleng, who was named Man of the Match on Saturday.

“If I compare this pre-season with the past pre-season, he’s in a better space, definitely.  

“His performances in Spain were really good and On Saturday he showed what he’s capable to do. The good surrounding of good players at the same time and doing things for him, I think today he had a really good night.  

“He was a permanent threat for the opponent. He was really happy now after the match and I’m sure it’s going to help him to go for a good season one more time. 

“We missed him a little bit in certain moments last season, so we are all happy to see this type of performance again. It’s been a long time [ago] that he has been a Man of the Match, if I’m not wrong. So, it’s a good thing.”