A beaming Jose Riveiro has sent out a warning to Orlando Pirates' rivals as the Buccaneers are set to unleash an in-form Monnapule Saleng after his Man of the Match performance in an MTN8 win over SuperSport United.
Saleng was in inspirational form as the Buccaneers clinched a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over SuperSport United in an MTN8 clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
READ: REACTION: Jose Riveiro happy as Orlando Pirates progress to MTN8 semi-final
The 26-year-old was a constant threat to the Matsatsantsa defence as he scored a pivotal extra-time goal after also providing an assist for Pirates’ opener.
Saleng failed to match the lofty heights of his first season under Riveiro where he scored 15 goals with 11 assists in a sensational season.
“If I compare this past pre-season camp, to previous pre-seasons he is definitely in a better space,” Riveiro said post-match.
“His performances in Spain were really good and today he showed what he is capable of doing. While also being surrounded by good players at the same time.
“But I think today he had a really good night and was a constant threat to the opponent and looks really happy after the match.
“So, I’m sure it’s going to want him to aim to have a good season where we missed him a little bit in certain moments last season.”
During the 2023/24 campaign, Saleng’s goal contributions suffered a dip with five goals and five assists.
“We are all happy to see these sorts of performances again. I think it has been a long time since he was the Man of the Match if I’m not mistaken,” Riveiro added.
“It’s a good thing.”
