Orlando Pirates supporters are not chuffed with Monnapule Saleng.
MONNAPULE SALENG UPSETS ORLANDO PIRATES FANS
During last weekend’s 3-0 win over Stade Abidjan in the CAF Champions League, Saleng was captured with a straight face while his Orlando Pirates teammates celebrated Deon Hotto‘s goal. One of the club’s leading and influential supporters took to X to fire at Saleng. “Saleng and his attitude must voetsek, his teammates are celebrating the goal and he is seated folding his hands,” @SpheleleZN said. “He is not bigger than Pirates. Faxk his attitude,” the post concluded before getting 213 comments, 177 retweets and 1200 likes.
WIN OVER STADE ABIDJAN
In the meantime, Orlando Pirates’ website delivered the full report on Saturday evening.
“Orlando Pirates brushed Stade d’Abidjan aside, beating them 3-0 to climb to the summit of Group C in the CAF Champions League. It was a must-win fixture at Orlando Stadium for the hosts, who had slipped out of the qualification spots for the next round after the earlier result in the group. With things wide open, there was all to play for as the two sides renewed rivalries in Soweto. Pirates were almost stunned during the opening exchanges when the visitors got a chance which was eventually wasted.
“That happened to be a rare foray deep into Bucs territory for Les Yèyés, who spent a great deal of time inside their own half. In trying to capitalise on their dominance, Pirates had opportunities through Kabelo Dlamini as well as Relebohile Mofokeng with both players unable to land the decisive touch.
“The breakthrough wasn’t too far off, and it came in the 22nd minute following some neat interplay that led them into the penalty area. This was where Mohau Nkota did well to eliminate goalkeeper Drissa Bamba from the equation, allowing Mofokeng an empty net to shoot into.
“Shortly after the goal, the shot-stopper did have some bright moments as he kept out shots from Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. His heroics kept the Bucs lead to a minimum at the break, giving his side a chance to launch a second-half comeback.
That was not to be as the hosts doubled their lead just five minutes after the restart. The second goal was courtesy of Maswanganyi, who showed excellent skill in breaking free of his marker with a clever turn before expertly placing the ball beyond Bamba’s reach.
“Les Yéyés did manage the odd surge into the home side’s half of the field, but Sipho Chaine’s goal remained largely untouched. Pirates meanwhile continued to knock at the other end with Dlamini and Maswanganyi each coming close to providing the third. An intercept on the halfway line initiated a superb solo effort from Deon Hotto, made his way towards the Abidjan penalty area before finishing past Bamba to make it 3-0 with four minutes remaining before the final whistle. That left the Ivorians with an uphill climb as the home side refused to relent despite a comfortable lead.
“All that was required for the Buccaneers was to manage the remainder of the contest, which they did without much of a fuss to claim a vital win which places them a point ahead of Al Ahly and two adrift from CR Belouizdad with two group games left for each team to play,
“Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen (Monyane 86’), Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini (Rasebotja 86’), Nkota (Mako 73’), Maswanganyi (Tshobeni 79’), Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 79’),” concluded Orlando Pirates.
