Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale hopes winger Monnapule Saleng will rise for the occasion and deliver for the national team in the Chan qualifier.
The attacker has not played for the Soweto giants since December 7 when he played in Caf Champions League's Group C game against Al Ahly at the Orlando Stadium. The match ended goalless. Before being left in the cold, Saleng had played 13 games for the Soweto giants, managing to score five goals and provide an assist.
Despite being out of action for more than three months, the 26-year-old – whose current contract with Bucs expires in June, was included in coach Helman Mkhalele's team that will play Egypt in the Chan qualifier.
Motale is confident Saleng will be key for Mkhalele's team but he needs help to deliver for the national team.
Mkhalele will know how to deal with Saleng – Motale
“I’ve no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally. I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng. he said as quoted by FARPost.
“But I’m happy they have a professional set-up and a coach like Helman Mkhalele who understands this. He understands these things and will know how to deal with Saleng. He’s missed a lot of games in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Derby, and the clash against Sundowns. But that’s all in the past. The call-up offers him a chance to start afresh. He revealed what his words to Saleng would be if he were his coach.
“He needs to be told that he’s here; this is the national team. Forget about what is happening around you. Just focus on the game. Play your game. If I was a coach, those are the words I’d tell him. To say we didn’t call you here for the sake of it. We called you because we know what you’re capable of and know you can add value. This is his healing stage for him.
“It’s a blessing this call-up; it’s gonna restart him and put him in a place where he can start afresh. It’s gonna help him too much.'
South Africa will host Egypt on Friday in Bloemfontein before playing away in the second leg scheduled for March 9.
