Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare believes Monnapule Saleng has
the potential to be crowned Footballer of the Season, but has stressed the
importance of allowing the club’s top scorer to grow without putting too
much pressure on him.
Saleng was given his chance to impress in October, after not playing in
August and September, and has since become a crucial part of the
Buccaneers attack. He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in
all competitions this season, and there have been calls for him to be
considered for the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
“It’s very tricky for now to say that (he will be footballer of the
season), because we are a team that is growing a game at a time. I feel
like sometimes we get in the way of allowing players to grow. I think we
should allow Saleng to grow to be the great footballer that he is and
let’s not put him under pressure. He is playing for a team and he is a
very good player,” Monare said after the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw was
conducted in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Wednesday evening.
“I don’t think that statement of saying he might be footballer of the
season… Yes, he is capable of that, but we are a team and we are working
together. I feel like people are not allowing him time to grow. I think
that that’s the pressure we get under as footballers. We feel like we have
to do certain things.”
Monare believes that Saleng should be given the chance to grow into the
player he can be, without the added pressure of being in the running for
the Footballer of the Season award.
