Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City highlighted the club’s need for the presence of star winger Monnapule Saleng, who was notably absent from the match due to injury. The result left many supporters questioning how the team could have performed had Saleng been available to make an impact, as his flair and creativity have been central to Pirates’ attacking play this season.
Following the defeat, former Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has reached out to the Bloemhof-born Saleng with a message of support, urging the talented winger to continue pushing through his recovery and promising that the team would benefit greatly from his return. Mokoena, who spent several seasons with Pirates and knows the club’s demands intimately, acknowledged the significant void left in the squad in Saleng’s absence.
“It’s never easy when the team misses a key player like Saleng,” Mokoena said in his message. “He brings something special to the table, and his energy on the wing makes such a big difference. I know how important he is to the team, and I believe that his return will provide that much-needed spark for Pirates to bounce back and regain their form.”
Saleng has been one of Pirates’ standout performers this season, contributing not only with goals but also with his assists and overall link-up play. His ability to beat defenders, deliver dangerous crosses, and create scoring opportunities has made him one of the most valuable players in the squad. His absence against Cape Town City was felt throughout the match, as Pirates lacked the cutting edge in attack and struggled to break down City’s defense.
Mokoena, who played a crucial role for Pirates during his time at the club, understands the demands of playing for one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions. He expressed confidence that Saleng’s influence would help the team overcome their recent struggles and return to winning ways once he regains full fitness.
“Monnapule is an incredible talent, and he has shown his ability to perform at the highest level,” Mokoena continued. “It’s not easy to replace someone like him, but the team has to keep going until he’s back. I’m sure Saleng is doing everything possible to recover quickly, and the players and fans are looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch.”
The absence of Saleng was particularly noticeable in a match where Pirates lacked the creativity and attacking cohesion they have become accustomed to this season. While other players tried to step up, the lack of a natural wide threat and a player capable of unlocking opposition defenses made it difficult for Pirates to create clear-cut chances. The result left the team with a sense of missed opportunity, as they were unable to capitalize on several key moments during the game.
Pirates’ fans, who have come to expect exciting football with Saleng in the lineup, took to social media to express their frustration at the team’s performance without their star winger. Many expressed their hope that Saleng would recover soon and return to the fold, as they believe his presence is critical to the team’s ambitions for the 2024/2025 season.
For now, Pirates head coach José Riveiro will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Saleng, as the team faces a crucial stretch of fixtures in both the Premier Soccer League and the CAF Confederation Cup. Without Saleng, Riveiro will need to find ways to adapt his attacking strategy to compensate for the loss of one of his most influential players.
Mokoena’s message to Saleng serves as a reminder of the tight-knit nature of the Orlando Pirates family, where former players still feel a deep connection to the club’s current fortunes. As the Bloemhof-born star continues his recovery, there is no doubt that both the team and the supporters are eagerly awaiting his return to action, hoping that he can once again lead Pirates to success in the domestic and continental campaigns.
