Orlando Pirates fans are unanimous in their desire for the club to resolve Monnapule Saleng’s future, one way or another.
Hlengani@20 had this to say:
“The Saleng story has done a lot of damage to the South African football lovers. It’s not clear up to now who is in the wrong between Pirates and the player. Contract issues are supposed to be handled between the club and the player’s agent, transparency and legalities are supposed to be observed. On this subject it would seem somebody is running away from the truth. That is the reason the whole matter is causing a lot of animosity between the football-loving community. It stings, it is unprofessional and it is really bad to say the least.”
Saleng isn’t satisfied with his treatment at Orlando Pirates
A source has revealed that Monnapule Saleng is determined to leave the club if his situation doesn’t improve.
“He’s not happy with how he has been treated by Pirates. He feels he deserves better, especially considering what he has done for the club. Even this season, he was performing well before everything changed. He just wants a fair deal from Pirates, that’s all,” said the source.
What is Saleng worth to the club?
After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he’s unhappy at the club, that will certainly drive his price down. Pirates’ bargaining position is significantly weakened because of the player’s reluctance to stay, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn’t command a decent fee. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million) especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market.
Riveiro issues cryptic statement
Speaking to the media, Pirates’ Spanish boss Jose Riveiro kept his cards close to his chest.
“I don’t think about players when we win or when we don’t win. I think no one wanted to be in this situation when we started the season, but it is that,” Riveiro said.
“As you know, it’s not my role to speak so much about that issue, I just wish for the best for both sides in this case. We focus on the players that we have; that’s it.
“Luckily, we have a lot of talent in the team; we have players with a lot of hunger wanting to use their opportunities, and like I said, the opportunities are presented to them,” added Riveiro.
“We have players in every position capable of doing the job, and that’s it; we have to live in the moment and look to the future.
“The future for us is to get ready tomorrow for the big match on the weekend. There’s no time to think so much about who’s there or who’s not.”
Is Saleng still worth the trouble?
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