Monnapule Saleng’s future at Orlando Pirates is far from certain. If the club sells him, several Sea Robbers stars would directly benefit.
Orlando Pirates players who would welcome the sale of Monnapule Saleng
Mohau Nkota
The 20-year-old winger is already ahead of Saleng in the current pecking order for a starting berth on the right side of Pirates’ attack. A Saleng sale would further cement Nkota’s status there and help him go to the next level. The youngster has dazzled in his breakout campaign but there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Kabelo Dlamini
Often used as a super-sub, talented 28-year-old left footer Kabelo Dlamini is a firm favourite with the Pirates fans. Usually deployed as a playmaker, he can also thrive as a narrow wide player and give Pirates more control in possession.
Deon Hotto
Like Dlamini, Namibian veteran Deon Hotto is a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ type of player who can play in several roles and systems. The 34-year-old is widely expected to leave the club at the end of this current campaign, but the club’s stance might change dramatically if Saleng is sold. Hotto has repeatedly been trusted in a right-sided inverted attacking midfield role in recent matches, a departure from his now-customary left-back slot. The 34-year-old would almost certainly get a contract extension to provide backup for the talented Nkota. Hotto scored and assisted in Pirates’ most recent 2-1 win away to Sekhukhune; clear evidence of his importance to the cause.
Is now the time for Pirates to sell Saleng?
Not long ago, Pirates had the opportunity to sell Monnapule Saleng to European suitors. Figures in the region of €2 million (just a shade under R40 million) were mentioned. However, the Buccaneers board decided to keep their star winger. Now that decision appears to be a foolish one. The mercurial star hasn’t made a single competitive appearance in 2025. His last outing for the Sea Robbers was a goalless draw against Al Ahly in December in a Caf Champions League group stage match. Saleng scored 15 goals and assisted 11 across all competitions in 2022-2023 as he stormed to the PSL Player of the Year crown. Since then, however, things have never really been the same.
Should Pirates wash their hands of Saleng and move on?
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