Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, a month after losing 4-1 in Pretoria.
The thought of redemption could spark a mighty performance from Jose Riveiro’s side, who will surely feel this is a must-win game to retain any hopes of PSL glory.
Masandawana are gunning for their eighth successive league title, the sort of dominance likened to Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Pitso next?
Along with the future of Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates face further uncertainty about whose next season’s manager will be after Riveiro refused to sign a three-year contract extension, instead opting to decide once the season concludes.
According to reports, former Mamelodi Sundowns boss Pitso Mosimane is the frontrunner to replace Riveiro, should he decide to leave.
Saleng wants more
After months of keeping fans in the dark, Saleng’s absence is linked to salary demands.
The 26-year-old’s parents confirmed that he wants more than his R70,000 per week deal and is either holding out or leaving until Orlando Pirates acts accordingly.
Saleng’s friend, Boikanyo Maine, confirmed this figure, saying, “If he was not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him. We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants,
“It’s unfair, imagine getting R70 000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes, while somebody [else] is getting R500 000.”
The former PSL Player of the Year last kicked a ball for Orlando Pirates on December 7.
“The problem is the contract,” Saleng’s father confirmed. “We would want him to stick with Pirates because it is one of the biggest clubs in the country.”
Who is Orlando Pirates’ best player?
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