With Mamelodi Sundowns running off into the sunset, Orlando Pirates could do with some Monnapule Saleng magic.
The dazzling trickster hasn’t featured since early November, his third and final league game this season after starting with two goals from two.
Saleng started the campaign in scintillating fashion, becoming an early frontrunner for Player of the Season; but for reasons unknown, or as Orlando Pirates labels it, ‘personal issues’, the 28-year-old has been missing for over two months.
The Buccaneers have failed to offer additional insight into the Saleng situation; many believe the problem lies between the club and the player – not just the latter.
Suppose Orlando Pirates reluctantly sell the 26-year-old before next season. In that case, this debacle will play into the hands of interested clubs, knowing there to be trouble between the two parties, who will surely want a swift exit if it comes to it.
In other words, Pirates may have to sell Saleng at a lower price as suitors suss the opportunity to lowball the Soweto giants.
Riveiro refuses to speak on Saleng
In an interview building up to Orlando Pirates’ Nedbank Cup game against Baroka FC, Riveiro remained mute on the situation, saying, “I don’t speak about the health of my players; it’s something that belongs to a private space. And the moment that the club feels that it’s the time to speak about which players are injured, how long they are going to take, and which moment of the process (of recovery) they are in, they will do it. It’s not part of my job description, (and) it’s not an ethical thing,
“I know it will be nice to know how close is Olisa [Ndah] or [Goodman] Mosele and what’s happening with Saleng but it’s not going to happen.”
Should Orlando Pirates try keep Saleng?
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