Orlando Pirates attacker Monnapule Saleng explains why he believes the Soweto derby defeat to Kaizer Chiefs helped the Buccaneers to later lift the MTN8.
In his first ever Soweto derby, Saleng suffered disappointment as in-form Pirates side fell 1-0 to Amakhosi in the first Soweto derby of the season.
The heartbreak was temporary though, as Riveiro chargers went on to beat AmaZulu in the final of the MTN8 just a week later and Saleng believes the loss partly contributed to the side's sharpness against Usuthu.
"it was a difficult time, honestly speaking, it was difficult because a lot of things happened but we don't dwell on it because it might sound like excuses," Saleng told PiratesTV.
READ | Saleng reveals secret behind red-hot form
"That loss [in the Soweto derby], prepared us for the final [of the the MTN8] because in the final, we really wanted that MTN8 [trophy]. We wanted it with all our hearts and spirit.
"[That is why] I think the derby loss helped us, not that we wanted to lose, but it helped going into the [MTN8] final."
Saleng has been in sensational form for the Buccaneers this season, contributing 14 goals and five assists in his 25 appearances for the Buccaneers across all competitions this season, despite missing out on the first nine games of the season.
The 25-year-old will looking to add to those impressive numbers when the Buccaneers take on TS Galaxy on Sunday.
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