Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Hleza Mofedi believes it would be a mistake for coach Jose Riveiro to start limiting the playing time of Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng was missing from the squad as Pirates beat SuperSport United 2-0 on Tuesday night with teenager Mohau Nkota slotted in at right wing by Riveiro and there has not been an explanation given over the winger’s absence.
The left-footed attacker was withdrawn at halftime during Pirates’ 3-0 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout last weekend with Nkota taking his place and he has not been seen since.
Ex-Pirates star feels Saleng should always play
His absence from the bench as Pirates subdued SuperSport has raised eyebrows and Mofedi hopes it was down to something else and not for the purposes of resting Saleng, who he feels is so important to be left out.
“I would be disappointed if Saleng didn’t play because the coach was resting him. It is not the right time for that because the boy has been enjoying his game and doing well for the team,” Mofedi told Soccer Laduma.
“He is one of the reasons the team has been playing well and winning matches, except for the disappointment in the (Carling Knockout) Cup (against Magesi FC) last weekend.
Why does Mofedi think Riveiro is making a mistake?
“His combination with Mofokeng is great and it is one of the reasons the team has been scoring goals and winning matches.
“The coach mustn’t make that mistake of saying he is resting Saleng if that’s why he didn’t play last night [Tuesday]. I want to believe that maybe he was carrying a knock, or something, and let’s wait and see in the next game against AmaZulu to see if the boy will be there or not and we can discuss it further from there.”
Saleng has been one of the on-form players this season, scoring five goals and providing an assist in 11 matches, and had been on the scoresheet in four straight matches before the international break.
