Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has discussed the dynamics around the attention and spotlight currently on Monnapule Saleng. SLSiya Read more:
Saleng has been the talisman in the Buccaneers' turn of fortunes in front of goals, as he has scored four times in his last six games in all competitions. Given the attention and focus on the tricky left-footed attacker, Riveiro was asked if he has seen the need to have a heart to heart conversation with Saleng, so he does not get carried away or affected by the spotlight on him at the moment. "I don't think it's the case.
"Sometimes what you say is right, we need to protect the player in our way that they don't get confused and they don't get relaxed but I don't think it's the case so far." Riveiro went on to say that, actually, what is more important is to manage the emotions of the players who are not currently enjoying the attention. Saleng was part of a group that was not getting game time at Pirates, from the beginning of the season, as he only made his first start against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at the start of October, just after the international break.
"But we try to keep an eye on all of our players, usually it's more important to keep an eye on the players who are not playing or not shining or not getting the good feedback from the media or from the fans," he said. Are you enjoying our new online stadium? SNL24.com is Soccer Laduma’s new home. You’ll not only get the best soccer news, but you will also be able to comment on articles, view other comments, save articles to read later and much more! SIGN UP for free and explore our new home!"So far we try to keep an eye on all of them, because we need all of them sooner than later. We're talking about one boy who didn't participate in the first, how many? Seven, eight games in the league.