As wasteful as he can be, Monnapule Saleng is nevertheless continuing to score vital goals that may secure Orlando Pirates a place in the Caf Champions League next season.
Saleng scored his 10th DStv Premiership strike as Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-1 in Orlando yesterday. The victory moved the Sea Robbers two points clear on the second spot with four matches to finish what’s been a good second half of the season.
Yesterday’s win was the fifth on the trot and, if they earn more positive results in the remaining matches — against TS Galaxy, Royal AM, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu — Jose Riviero’s team will secure the runners-up position in the league, which comes with a spot in the Champions League. Pirates last participated in the competition in 2019-2020.
After failing time and again to find his teammates, Saleng finally delivered for Pirates with 16 minutes left on the clock when he decided to take a strike on goal to beat City's keeper Darren Keet.
City had taken the lead via Khanyiso Mayo, one of the hottest South African strikers in the PSL this season, in the 18th minute. That Mayo is being sought after by the country’s big clubs is no surprise and he further underlined the interest by the delightful way he scored in this match.
Mayo slotted in his ninth league goal, taking advantage of poor defending by the hosts. Pirates lost the ball from their own throw-in and Mayo played a wall pass to Jaeden Rhodes, who played it back to him to open the score with a low shot inside the area.
City’s lead lasted 10 minutes as Pirates equalised through Terrence Dzvukamanja’s header after the visitors failed to deal with Kabelo Dlamini’s header, which found Innocent Maela with acres of space to set up the goal for the Zimbabwean striker.
Overall, though, the contest was not great entertainment for the fans, as both teams made poor decisions in the final third — with Saleng the most wasteful when it came to the final ball to Pirates strikers.
It was amid those misses that Saleng finally punished City for leaving him with plenty of space on the right, this time deciding to take the shot himself instead of trying to find a teammate.
If they qualify for the Champions League, Pirates will represent South Africa alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, who have already won the league title for the sixth successive time.
Pirates taking the second spot was helped by the poor form of SuperSport United, who missed a chance to stay level on 46 points with Pirates when they drew 0-0 against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.
Kaizer Chiefs, who were the third team in the race to finish second, play Sekhukhune United in Polokwane today. A win for Amakhosi will see them remain fourth on the log — as SuperSport have a better goal difference — and they will be two points behind their Soweto archrivals.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.