Monnapule Saleng hasn’t played for Orlando Pirates in 2025 but there’s no doubting his ability and big match temperament.
Nothing says brave quite like big goals in big games
At his best, Monnapule Saleng has been a clutch player for Pirates when they needed him most. 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 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then scored the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There’s no doubt that Saleng loves the grand occasions.
Skinny but brave
On Saleng’s Instagram, you can see ‘Skinny but brave’ in his bio. Would you say that’s an accurate description of both the player and the person?
Saleng released by Bafana, lifeline at Orlando Pirates?
Bafana have released Monnapule Saleng from their CHAN qualifiers squad so he won’t be travelling to Cairo for the second leg clash against Egypt. Did Pirates request for this to happen?
Mbokazi impresses on debut
Teenage central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi didn’t look out of place in the Pirates starting XI in their win away to Chippa on Wednesday. The 19-year-old left-footer is viewed as a natural leader and a potential long-term partner for Thabiso Sesane in the heart of defence. A clean sheet for the youngster is an ideal start to his Bucs career and his emergence comes at an opportune time with Sesane out for the season with a serious injury.
Will Pirates regret their treatment of Saleng or is no single player bigger than a club?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.Â
