Another week, another layer added to the saga between Orlando Piratesand their star forward Monnapule Saleng.
Every week that seems to be a new development that proves that all is not rosy between Pirates and Saleng.
Saleng and Pirates at a crossroads
There have been many rumours about Saleng’s situation with Pirates, with the club and his management both releasing statements. Initial rumours were that the winger was denied a lucrative opportunity abroad a couple of years back. It was also recently claimed that Egyptian giants Al Ahly had agreed a deal to sign him from the Buccaneers. That deal hitting a snag saw him disgruntled and missing training.
Just this past weekend Saleng returned to action for the first time in 2025, having being sidelined by Pirates. His first bit of football came courtesy of Bafana Bafana, an impressive 90 minute outing against Egypt. This in a 1-1 draw in the African Nations Championship qualifiers first leg. However, the player has not made the squad for the second leg in Egypt this weekend.
Dropped by Bafana
That prompted suggestions that Pirates had recalled Saleng after he impressed for Bafana Bafana.But that is not the case as we reported earlier that he did not show up to the team camp in Johannesburg and was subsequently released. Now according to Sportswire, it is likely that he may have played his last game for the Buccaneers.
Winger set to leave the Buccaneers
“It is highly likely, nearly a certainty, that Orlando Pirates attacker Monnapule Saleng will depart the club at the end of the season, a move that will deeply disappoint fans, Sportswire has learned. According to sources, Saleng was allegedly instructed by the club to stay away from training, as his presence was deemed a distraction. Furthermore, it has been asserted that he will not play for the club again, a situation confirmed by this publication previously.” Wrote the publication.
Should he stay or go?
Pirates fans, is it the right decision for the club to just cut their losses with Saleng? Or should they try by any means to meet his demands? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
