Orlando Pirates fumble a R40 million bag, now what?
Some big decisions need to be made in June.
Orlando Pirates resisted big offers for their top operators in January, including Monnapule Saleng, and it could come back to bite them.
Did Orlando Pirates stand in the way of Saleng?
According to widespread reports, rumours of big-money offers from Europe for winger Monnapule Saleng, and the club’s choice to turn those down, have unsettled the player. It’s for that reason he’s been absent from matchday squads since November 2024. Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue 1 side Monaco proposed figures in the region of €2 million (R40 million) and Pirates stood firm. Will they regret not selling a player whose value could potentially dwindle as he continues to stay out of action?
Is Saleng still in the club’s plans?
According to SoccerLaduma, 26-year-old winger Monnapule Saleng is back in the fold and training with his teammates. However, the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs might come too soon.
Soweto Derby debuts on the cards for several Pirates and Chiefs stars
Exciting winger Mohau Nkota, new right-back Deano Van Rooyen and the impressive central defender Thabiso Sesane are all key members of Jose Riveiro’s starting XI while midfield schemer Selaelo Rasebotja is also hoping to make a cameo appearance on the grand stage.
New-look Kaizer Chiefs defence will be tested
Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirino have all embedded themselves into the Chiefs setup but none have stepped out into the cauldron of a Soweto Derby before. Brand new signings Glody Lilepo and Thabo Cele will hope to also stamp their mark on the fixture. New 30-year-old striker Tashreeq Morris, however, must wait a little longer as he’s suspended for this clash. Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi will hope for a cohesive performance from his backline, against a Pirates attack bristling with quality.
Will Saleng be sold at the end of the season?
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