Orlando Pirates must carefully consider offers for Monnapule Saleng in the next transfer window and replace him with quality.
Potential replacements for Saleng at Orlando Pirates
If Pirates eventually cut their losses and sell 26-year-old Monnapule Saleng, they’ll need to dip into the transfer market to find a suitable alternative. What are the options?
Elias Mokwana
Although the former Sekhukhune man has only recently moved to Tunisia with Esperance, there have been complications over payments. Mokwana could be lured back to South Africa by a good offer, and Pirates are among the most attractive propositions.
Oswin Appollis
Polokwane City will be expecting offers for their star Bafana winger in the close season. Now 23, Appollis is a quality operator with great balance who can cause damage off either flank. If Pirates get good money for Saleng, Appollis’ big transfer fee shouldn’t be a problem.
Devin Titus
Stellenbosch’s 24-year-old winger could potentially be a like-for-like replacement for Saleng as he enjoys hugging the right touchline. He’s not an inverted winger like Saleng, but since right-footer Relebohile Mofokeng already dazzles down the left, this isn’t much of an issue. Titus has impressed this campaign for Stellies, bagging five goals and two assists in 15 league appearances.
Al Ahly’s cold feet over Saleng explained by stalled Tau deal
According to veteran journalist and SoccerBeat owner Peter du Toit, there’s a big discrepancy between what’s written in the media and the actual truth regarding Monnapule Saleng. Egyptian side Al Ahly had a real interest in signing Saleng but had to hold fire on completing the deal until they could finalise Percy Tau’s exit from the club. Pirates, allegedly, didn’t inform Saleng why the move had stalled. Tau’s protracted move to Qatar finally happened, but by then, the relationship between Pirates and Salend had already broken down. Disgruntled, the player’s attendance at training sessions hasn’t been as exemplary as expected.
Mbokazi has a big future with Pirates
19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been training with the senior side. The stylish left-footer has impressed Jose Riveiro and the technical team with his strong work ethic and cool, calm composure on the ball. It’s early days yet, but the club expects big things from the youngster whose crisp distribution over short and long distances is a valuable and rare asset from the left side of central defence. Also, they see him as a natural leader and a potential long-term partner for Thabiso Sesane in the heart of defence. His unique combination of rare traits and skills make him a prospect we’ll be watching closely. Remember the name!
What would you do about Saleng if you were in charge?
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.
