Pirates striker Monnapule Saleng opens up about almost signing for Kaizer Chiefs

The 24-year-old has been a sensation for Bucs this season following his return to the club from a loan spell at Swallows.

The former Free State Stars winger has netted five goals in eight appearances in all competitions, including the winner in the MTN8 final.

An Amakhosi supporter as a boy, Saleng explained in the Sowetan: "I should have played for Chiefs because there was a scout from the club who was following me at Free State Stars.

"I don't know what happened. But in the end, I ended up playing for Pirates... after Chiefs delayed signing me."

Saleng's performances earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up for the friendly internationals with Mozambique on Thursday and Angola on Sunday.

The player added: "This is my first season at Pirates and with this performance [I have to build from it]. Now people are looking at me because I am in the spotlight as I have been scoring goals after not playing.

"The way I'm playing at the moment is because of the hard work at training and I keep on pushing myself and my teammates always push me also with the experience of players around me.

"Coming into the national team, I think it is something everyone is happy for. I'm also happy to be in the national team because before I was in the Cosafa Cup.

"Then I had to work hard to return to the national team. I think being here in the camp is something everyone is happy about. I'm happy to be here.

"My biggest dream is to play overseas and to be a regular in the national team. And that's why I must work harder."