Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro heaped praise on Monnapule Saleng, who was the standout player and named the Man of the Match as they eliminated SuperSport United from the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Saleng was instrumental in the 3-1 victory, setting up Olisa Ndah’s first Pirates goal before scoring himself in extra time.

The 2022/23 PSL Players’ Player of the Season was also involved in Pirates’ third goal, as when he was trying to dribble past SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and blocked his path, but the rebound fell kindly to Evidence Makgopa to seal the win.

Pirates are now in the MTN8 semi-finals for the third consecutive season, aiming for a third consecutive title. Riveiro was delighted with Saleng’s performance. “He played well, right?” Riveiro said on SuperSport TV. “He did a good job. He’s a constant threat when he’s in the right mood, so I’m very happy for him. He’s contributing a lot and hopefully he can continue like this.”

Saleng was also the hero of Pirates’ 2022/23 season’s MTN8 final victory over AmaZulu with the brilliant floating free kick. The club will hope he can replicate his best form from that season, as his performance levels fluctuated last term.