Agent Frois opened up about his efforts to facilitate a move for Monnapule Saleng to a club in the Gulf region, revealing that Orlando Pirates refused to entertain the offer, even though it included a significant salary package for the player.
According to Frois, the talks surrounding Saleng’s potential transfer took place after an impressive season in which he scored 15 goals for Pirates. “I had a meeting about Saleng with a senior official from Orlando Pirates at a location in Hyde Park,” Frois explained. “It was a significant conversation, as the Gulf region team was genuinely interested in acquiring Saleng and was ready to offer him a very attractive contract, one that would have seen him earn a tax-free salary of R13.4 million.”
However, despite the promising offer, Pirates were unwilling to let their star player leave. “At that meeting, I was told that Saleng was not available for transfer because he was considered one of the key players in the squad at the time. The club was determined to keep him, as they viewed him as essential to their plans going forward,” Frois said.
Frois also clarified that while the deal wasn’t directly initiated by his agency, he had been approached by a contact based in the UAE, who was looking to secure Saleng’s move. “My close contact, an agent based in the UAE, asked me to help facilitate the deal from here in South Africa,” Frois explained. “Since Saleng wasn’t part of our stable, we did what was necessary—reaching out to the club and speaking with individuals who were known to work closely with him. Despite our efforts, we were unable to proceed with the transfer.”
Frois expressed regret over the situation, particularly considering the potential growth that could have come with the move for Saleng. “It’s a bit disappointing, because, given the offer and the opportunity, it would have been a great move for the player. Unfortunately, now it seems like Saleng isn’t getting as much game time as he used to, and that’s always a sad thing to see for a talented player like him.” 👀
The agent’s comments highlight the ongoing frustration and challenges that players, agents, and clubs face when it comes to transfers, especially when it involves star players who are integral to a team’s success. Despite the setback, it seems clear that Saleng’s future could still hold opportunities, as interest from international clubs remains strong.
