Three READY replacements for Saleng at Orlando Pirates
Surely he’s a good candidate?
Orlando Pirates must carefully consider offers for Monnapule Saleng in the next transfer window and replace him with top players.
Potential replacements for Saleng at Orlando Pirates
If Pirates eventually cut their losses and sell 26-year-old Monnapule Saleng, they’ll need to dip into the transfer market to find a suitable alternative. What are the options?
Elias Mokwana
Although the former Sekhukhune man has only recently moved to Tunisia with Esperance, there have been complications over payments. Mokwana could be lured back to South Africa by a good offer, and Pirates are among the most attractive propositions.
Oswin Appollis
Polokwane City will be expecting offers for their star Bafana winger in the close season. Now 23, Appollis is a quality operator with great balance who can cause damage off either flank. If Pirates get good money for Saleng, Appollis’ big transfer fee shouldn’t be a problem.
Devin Titus
Stellenbosch’s 24-year-old winger could potentially be a like-for-like replacement for Saleng as he enjoys hugging the right touchline. He’s not an inverted winger like Saleng, but since right-footer Relebohile Mofokeng already dazzles down the left, this isn’t much of an issue. Titus has impressed this campaign for Stellies, bagging six goals and four assists in 20 league appearances. Those are seriously good numbers. Surely he’s the best candidate, considering age, price and other relevant factors?
What kind of money could Orlando Pirates get for Saleng?
After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he’s unhappy at the club, that will certainly drive his price down. Pirates’ bargaining position is significantly weakened because of the player’s reluctance to stay, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn’t command a decent fee. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million), especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market. The main question there is: do they want to strengthen a rival?
Who’s your ideal replacement for Monnapule Saleng?
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