‘Saleng’s Orlando Pirates issues are nothing to do with football’
When will this be resolved?
Monnapule Saleng might still play for Orlando Pirates again. However, several issues will need to be resolved off the pitch first.
Saleng’s Orlando Pirates standoff isn’t to do with football
“It’s the matter that is for the club and his handlers, and it has nothing to do with his performances on the field,” a source explained. “If it gets sorted in the office before the end of the season, there is a chance that he can return to the field, as far as I understand.”
What do fans have to say?
Hlengani@20 had this to say:
“The Saleng story has done a lot of damage to the South African football lovers. It’s not clear up to now who is in the wrong between Pirates and the player. Contract issues are supposed to be handled between the club and the player’s agent, transparency and legalities are supposed to be observed. On this subject, it would seem somebody is running away from the truth. That is the reason the whole matter is causing a lot of animosity between the football-loving community. It stings, it is unprofessional,l and it is really bad to say the least.”
Saleng, the big game player
Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn’t reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final. There’s no doubt that Saleng loves big games.
The Orlando Pirates board must make a decision
Not long ago, Pirates had the opportunity to sell Monnapule Saleng to European suitors. Figures in the region of €2 million (just a shade under R40 million) were mentioned. However, the Buccaneers board decided to keep their star winger. Now that decision appears to be a foolish one. The mercurial star hasn’t made a single competitive appearance in 2025. His last outing for the Sea Robbers was a goalless draw against Al Ahly in December in a Caf Champions League group stage match. Ever since his scintillating 2022-2023 campaign, when he scored 15 goals and supplied 11 assists in 30 matches across all competitions, he’s looked a shadow of himself. They might end up losing the player for absolutely nothing if this standoff persists. Saleng hasn’t played for Pirates since 07 December, 2024.
Will Monnapule Saleng play another game for Orlando Pirates?
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