OFFICIAL: Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng returns

Monnapule Saleng has endured a season to forget with Orlando Pirates. However, he’s on the brink of turning things around.

Saleng is back in Blomfontein with Bafana

According to Soccer-Laduma, Monnapule Saleng is on the brink of a return to competitive football. He’s in Bloemfontein with a fringe Bafana side for two legs of CHAN Qualifiers against Egypt.

“Orlando Pirates attacker Monnapule Saleng has started training with Bafana Bafana’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad for the upcoming first round qualifier against Egypt. Saleng has not played football in over two months due to alleged ongoing disputes behind the scenes with Pirates, but has been given a chance to play competitive football in the two-legged qualifier against the Egyptians following his selection in the team. Saleng started training with the team in Bloemfontein today, and a big call will have to be made to determine whether he is in the right condition to get some much-needed minutes on the pitch.”

The other side of the coin

Recognition from one’s country can never be a bad thing. However, inclusion in a fringe Bafana squad of mostly emerging youngsters isn’t what Saleng needs right now. A player of the 26-year-old’s calibre should be operating at the highest level for South Africa and playing regularly in the Betway Premiership. The CHAN Qualifiers Bafana squad selected by Helman Mkhalele isn’t exactly a collection of household names, barring one or two. Saleng might enjoy a distraction from his issues at Pirates but this doesn’t solve the problem, it just elongates it.

Click for the story or a timeline of the entire saga

Catch Saleng and Bafana in action

The two legs will be played on Sunday 02 March (17:00) and Sunday 09 March (09:30) SA times.

Is this the moment that Saleng’s season and fortunes turn around?

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