Picture: Orlando Pirates FC player, Monnapule Saleng/Supplied
By KABELO SELEBOGO
Orlando Pirates virtuoso, Monnapule Saleng scooped two awards during the DSTV Premier Soccer League (Awards) on Sunday evening. The Bloemhof-born player walked away with MTN8 Last Man Standing and DSTV PSL’s Players’ Players of the Season.
Saleng, who was also nominated for the Footballer of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards, assisted his side to win the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday after beating Sekhukhune FC in the final. He had made an impressive contribution throughout the season.
One of the memorial moments is when he scored two goals against Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the MTN8 semi-final, where the Buccaneers won by three nil. His performance escalated when he scored a crucial winning goal against Amazulu in the MTN8 final, ending by 1-0.
The MTN8 Last Man Standing or Player of the Tournament award was presented to him for his entire effort in the competition. The 25-year-old midfielder finished the season with 11 goals in the league and 8 assists with 22 appearances. Early this year, he walked away with the main accolade at the North West Sports Awards after winning Sports Star of the Year hosted by the North West Department of Arts Culture Sports and Recreation (ACSR) in partnership with North West Sports Confederation.
Saleng scored 15 goals in all competitions and his contribution played a big role as Pirates completed the season as the runner-up to qualify for CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi congratulated Saleng for his accomplishment.
“We take pride in our very own and Saleng displayed determination and hard work. He is an inspiration not only to footballers but to the sports fraternity as a whole and he respects his work and takes a God-given talent seriously,” she said.
In his appreciation speech, Saleng acknowledged the support from Bucs teammates, the technical team, players, family, and football fanatics.
“I would like to thank The Almighty God for the strength and talent, teammates for the support, senior players who contributed to my performance and players from other teams who voted for me, and also myself for being dedicated to the game,” said Saleng.
Full list of other winners:
1. Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Footballer of the season
2. Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Coach of the season
3. Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City and Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns – Top goal scorers of the season (12 goals each)
4. Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs) – Goal of the season
5. Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns) –Young Player of the Season
6. Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Midfielder of the season
7. Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Defender of the Season
8. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Goalkeeper of the season
9. Masixole Bambiso – Referee of the Season
10. Kamohelo Ramutsindela – Assistant Referee
The Guardian 