Monnapule Saleng was absent again as Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. What’s the plan?
Derby Day win leaves Orlando Pirates sitting pretty
Pirates had to weather a couple of storms before eventually beating Kaizer Chiefs with a controversial Patrick Maswanganyi panenka penalty deep into second-half stoppage time.
Saleng’s future is as foggy as ever
26-year-old Monnapule Saleng hasn’t kicked a competitive ball for the club since November 2024. It’s believed he became unsettled after the board turned down big-money offers for his services from Belgium’s Standard Liege and French Ligue 1 outfit Monaco. Some supporters believe he’ll stay, others want him sold to the highest bidder and this X user believes the Buccaneers have already made their mind up on the mercurial winger. The real question is; will Pirates receive similarly good offers for the player again when June rolls around?
Have Orlando Pirates fumbled a big bag?
According to widespread reports, rumours of big-money offers from Europe for winger Monnapule Saleng, and the club’s choice to turn those down, have unsettled the player. It’s for that reason he’s been absent from matchday squads since November 2024. Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue 1 side Monaco proposed figures in the region of €2 million (R40 million) and Pirates stood firm. Will they regret not selling a player whose value could potentially dwindle as he continues to stay out of action?
Predicted Pirates XI vs Sekhukhune
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Sea Robbers have had a few days of rest after their narrow win over Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. It’s likely manager Jose Riveiro will field the same XI he did in the Derby. Patrick Maswanganyi’s 96th-minute panenka penalty was the decisive strike against Chiefs.
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Mhango opens up on failed Chiefs move
Mhango almost joined Kaizer Chiefs
Experienced Malawian striker Gabadinho Mhango, now with Marumo Gallants, wasn’t far from becoming a Chiefs player. The diminutive forward has an impressive tally of 17 goals from 68 caps in a Malawi jersey. He also scored 23 goals from 71 outings for Orlando Pirates.
Will Saleng play again for the Buccaneers?
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.
