Saleng was not mentally strong to deal with European links

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has offered insight into Monnapule Saleng’s recent struggles with form at Orlando Pirates, suggesting that the player’s head may have been turned by the prospect of a move to Europe.

Saleng, who recently delivered a stellar performance by scoring twice in the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, had faced challenges in maintaining his form prior to this standout match.

Broos highlighted Saleng’s potential distraction from transfer rumors and the speculation surrounding a move to European clubs as a possible factor contributing to his loss of form.

Despite being a part of Broos’ Bafana squad and making appearances in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Saleng’s performances had dipped, raising concerns about his consistency on the field.

The Belgian coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and a strong mentality, drawing comparisons to top-tier players like Messi and Ronaldo who consistently deliver exceptional performances.

Broos stressed the need for Saleng to learn from his experiences and understand the impact of external distractions on his game.

“Saleng is a good player but I think there was too much publicity that he would go to Europe and he thought it’s done,” Broos remarked, shedding light on the potential influence of transfer speculation on Saleng’s mindset.

By highlighting the need for a resilient mentality and a commitment to consistent performance, Broos aimed to guide Saleng towards a path of self-improvement and professional growth.


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