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SALENG SAGA: ALL you need to know as Pirates exit draws near
Orlando Pirates need to resolve the future of Monnapule Saleng, one way or another. Here’s a timeline of what’s happened.
Would Chiefs be an option or are Sundowns in pole position?
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. The player’s reluctance to stay is a big issue 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. The main question there is; do they want to strengthen a rival? Can Kaizer Chiefs afford him?
No player is bigger than their club
It’s an adage but it’s an adage because it’s true. We’ve seen it mentioned in several comments sections on the publication when we’ve discussed Saleng, and it’s difficult to disagree. Pirates already have the exciting talents of Mohau Nkota so make the right-sided attacking role his own. If they fetch a handsome sum for Saleng, that money can be reinvested in several new options.
2024-2025 has been a disaster
Saleng started this campaign well with five goals in 13 outings, including a strike in the MTN8 final, but the second half of 2024-2025 has been a horror show for the player. He hasn’t played a single competitive minute since the turn of the year. Ironically, his last minutes in a Pirates jersey came in a Caf Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly in early December, the club that tried to sign him. It’s been revealed that ‘personal reasons’ are behind his exile in 2025, not issues owing to fitness.
Orlando Pirates legend Motale reveals his concerns
Edward Motale is the latest former Pirates man to express concerns over how Saleng is suffering.
Will Saleng play another game for Pirates?
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