Monnapule Saleng is back in training, but not with Orlando Pirates just yet—he’s wearing national team colors as he joins Bafana Bafana.
Saleng last played for Pirates in 2024, and his ongoing situation with the club remains unresolved.
Saleng Sidelined at Pirates
There have been various rumors surrounding Saleng’s status at Pirates, with both the club and his management issuing statements. Initial speculation suggested that the winger had been denied a lucrative overseas opportunity a few years ago. More recently, reports surfaced claiming that Egyptian giants Al Ahly had reached an agreement to sign him, but the deal reportedly fell through, leading to Saleng’s unhappiness and absence from training.
His management, P Management, swiftly denied these rumors. Despite this, Saleng remains sidelined at Pirates, with no resolution in sight.
In the meantime, Saleng has been called up by Bafana Bafana for the CHAN qualifiers. The South African national team, coached by the experienced Molefi Ntseki, will face Egypt in a two-legged qualifier.
Back in Action for Bafana Bafana
According to Soccer Laduma, Saleng has now returned to training with his Bafana teammates in Bloemfontein.
“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 with Pirates, but now has the opportunity to play competitive football in the two-legged qualifier against Egypt. He began training with the team in Bloemfontein today, and a decision will need to be made on whether he is fit enough to get some much-needed minutes on the pitch,” the publication reported.
