Why Jose Riveiro’s comments about Monnapule Saleng are hollow
Jose Riveiro’s recent praise for Monnapule Saleng’s return to football is seen as insincere due to their previously strained relationship and the unresolved issues surrounding Saleng’s extended absence from Orlando Pirates, which included speculation about mental health and reports of a salary dispute. Picture: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP
Image: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP
It’s an open secret that former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and star player Monnapule Saleng had a strained relationship while they were working together at the Soweto Giants, and that’s why Spaniard’s well-wishes now seem insincere.
Saleng did not feature in the Pirates side for over six months while physically fit, and this led to a drawn-out issue and much speculation behind his absence.
Ultimately, the 27-year-old was loaned out to Orbit College FC as Pirates look to put out the fire and any hint of smoke.
The speculation about Saleng’s absence from the team seemed to settle on mental health issues. With both parties moving on from Pirates, it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Riveiro is quite complimentary.
Monnapule Saleng’s Comeback: Riveiro Praises Talent Amid Past Uncertainty
“I am happy that Monnapule is playing football again and helping his team,” Riveiro said during a recent radio interview.
“He is showing the talent we know he has, and hopefully, this is the start of good things for him. He is a good boy and deserves success.”
The closest the public ever got to any real insight was the SuperSport documentary Giants, in which there is a short dressing room clip where Saleng reveals his mental state.In a typical locker room speech given by then-coach Jose Riveiro, he turns to Saleng and asks: Are you okay? Saleng then responds: “No, I’m not okay.”
The documentary, though, aired after Saleng left the club, and his absence from the side for months while physically fit led to rampant speculation. There were even reports of a salary dispute and of a failed transfer to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
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