Pirates news: Maswanganyi set to leave; Saleng talks grow; Champions League

Orlando Pirates have two problems amid Champions League success and their best start to the league in recent memory.

Seven wins from seven set the Buccaneers soaring for the title until a mishap at the hands of Stellenbosch and Cape Town City ensued.

However, hopes of a fifth PSL remain high, sitting three points behind reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have run rampant, winning seven successive titles.

Making Orlando Pirates season sweeter is an MTN8 Cup trophy coupled with their Champions League triumph, leaving the Soweto giants top of Group C and awaiting their quarter-final opposition.

Maswanganyi heading to Europe?

However well Jose Riveiro has Pirates clicking, he hasn’t been able to usher away the off-field drama—Monnapule Saleng has been absent for over two months, while former Player of the Season Patrick Maswanganyi is eager on a move to Europe.

Making matters worse is that both could leave before January concludes.

According to reports, Maswanganyi is in negotiations with Portuguese club UD Oliveirense:

“It’s no longer just about an inquiry, it’s about negotiations now,” a Siya source confirmed.

“They really want him back in Portugal. They are looking at the progress he has made and they are happy to bring him back to Portugal. It will all depend on what Pirates are looking at or if UD Oliveirense can afford what Pirates will be asking for Maswanganyi.

“The only issue that is there now is the R40 million that the club has put on Maswanganyi’s head. You know he is one of the best players now in the country and if the club wants that amount then UD Oliveirense should meet or make it even better than that. But since they are believed to have opened up negotiations then it will all depend on their offer that they table to Pirates.”

Pirates place valuation on Saleng

Murmurs surrounding a Saleng transfer have grown following Orlando Pirates R15 million valuation, suggesting that they’re open to any offers that meet this figure.

“Separate sources have stated that should clubs be interested, his price tag would be in excess of R15 million,” SoccerLaduma reported.

Can Orlando Pirates challenge for the title without these two?

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