By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Sergio Almenara has refused to entertain talk they approached Friday’s Premier Soccer League tie against Maritzburg United with the Soweto Derby in mind.
Monnapule Saleng and Terrence Dzvukamanja were on target as Pirates edged 2-1 their KwaZulu-Natal visitors who scored through Tumelo Njoti at Orlando Stadium.
With the Maritzburg victory a boost ahead of next Saturday’s derby confrontation with Kaizer Chiefs, Almenara disputes they were thinking of Amakhosi.
The Buccaneers hosted the Team of Choice trying to pick themselves up from the 1-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in their last league outing as they now prepare for Chiefs.
Also, following last week’s unconvincing showing in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 against National First Division side All Stars FC, Friday’s assignment was a must-win for the Soweto giants.
“We cannot be in the mind of every player in our squad but obviously, what we try to do is focus on the opponents before us because they are the closest ones we have,” Almenara told the media.
“We cannot control things and what we can control is the message and what we will be working towards during the week, so this victory [over Maritzburg] was nothing related to Chiefs.”
After Saleng opened the scoring for Pirates, the winger went on to provide an assist for Dzvukamanja and was duly named Man of the Match.
It was the second successive game for Saleng to score after he also found the back of the next against All Stars.
No other Pirates player has been involved in more goals for the Soweto giants this season than the 24-year-old who has had influence in 14 goals with nine strikes and five assists in all competitions.
But Almenara has refused to pick Saleng for some special praise.
“For us, all the players are important,” said Almenara.
“Saleng and all the others at training are trying to win their place for the weekend matches. So, all the players are important. The way we are playing, we are trying to fit in all players in our games. So, we are happy with every player.”
Having lost the reverse league fixture against Chiefs 1-0 at home last October, Pirates would be pressing to claim derby rights next Saturday.
Saleng could be key for the Buccaneers against Chiefs.
Pictured above: Terrence Dzvukamanja celebrating his goal with Innocent Maela
Image source: Orlando Pirates
