Pirates react to Saleng's awards

Saleng beat Mamelodi Sundowns duo Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena to the award voted for by around 500 players in the league. Riveiro says Saleng earned this recognition, accompanied by the MTN8 Last Man Standing award.

"Not only in the South African league [but] in the MTN8, the performance was outstanding. It was actually the tournament where we all saw Saleng, his potential and capacity the performance again the Nedbank Cup was exceptional. He was very consistent during the whole season. His performances [speak on his behalf]", he said. 

In only his second season in the Premier League and his first with the Buccaneers, Saleng finished with 11 goals and eight assists from 22 league matches, for an overall 15 goals and 11 assists in 30 games across all competitions. After losing out on Footballer of the Season to Mokoena, club captain Innocent Maela believes this honour will motivate Saleng to aim higher. 

"He missed out on the biggest award, but I think this is a moment for him to reflect and be proud of himself. This gives him the opportunity to improve and work even harder and achieve even more so that he can actually make that step and claim the [Footballer of the Season] award. I think this should be a motivation for him to say 'Ok, I didn't get it this time, but I will go even harder and try to push myself'." 

Riveiro also praised Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena for winning Coach of the Season ahead of the Spaniard and SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt.