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UPDATE: Percy Tau involved in the Saleng soap opera at Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates want to resolve their standoff with Monnapule Saleng and there’s a big new update. Here’s some clarity and it involves Percy Tau.
Al Ahly’s cold feet over Saleng explained by stalled Percy 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.
A classic case of ‘broken telephone’ at Orlando Pirates?
A lack of clear communication and transparency might be the real culprit in a breakdown of the relationship between Pirates and star winger Monnapule Saleng. The 26-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match for the club since 07 December. Ironically, that was against Al Ahly, a club chasing his signature. Saleng started that match while Percy Tau was a 63rd-minute substitute. The match ended 0-0.
Saleng hasn’t been the same since 2022-2023
The 2022-2023 campaign was a scintillating one for Monnapule Saleng. He scored 15 times and provided 11 assists in 30 matches across all competitions. He was rightly named PSL Player of the Year. However, since then, he’s battled to reproduce that type of form on a consistent basis, barring the occasional brilliant isolated performance. One that comes to mind was his match-winning cameo against Kaizer Chiefs in March 2024.
What’s next for the Buccaneers?
Pirates were due to Golden Arrows on Wednesday but the match was postponed. Influential midfield general Makhehlene Makhaula will miss the next clash, against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 Feb, at 15:30 after he picked up a fourth booking of the campaign. Kabelo Dlamini started alongside Makhaula against Baroka in the Nedbank Cup R16 so he’ll keep his place. Now, head coach Jose Riveiro must decide who will partner with him. The versatile skills of Selaelo Rasebotja could come in handy. What about Thalente Mbatha? He sounds as though he’s fit and ready to go.
Do you think there’s any way Pirates can mend relations with Saleng?
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