Monnapule Saleng is set to stay at Orlando Pirates for another two seasons after the club reportedly triggered the option for an additional two years in his contract.
ORLANDO PIRATES EXERCISES TWO-YEAR OPTION IN SALENG’S DEAL
The news has sparked widespread speculation about Saleng’s future at the club. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the 26-year-old star was unhappy at Pirates and was considering a move away from the club. Sources close to Saleng revealed that he plans to submit a transfer request at the end of the current season.
However, a new twist has emerged in the saga, with FarPost reporting that the club has exercised the two-year option in Saleng’s contract, which will keep him at Pirates until 2027. Saleng’s current contract was set to expire in June 2025, but this extension will ensure his stay at the club for even longer, despite the challenges he’s reportedly facing.
It remains unclear whether the two-year extension is the cause of the tension between Saleng and the club, and while the news has sparked a flurry of social media discussions, Orlando Pirates has yet to officially confirm the reports.
Saleng, who joined Pirates from the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Ea Lla Koto ahead of the 2021-2022 season, has become one of the team’s standout players. However, after being loaned out to Moroka Swallows, he returned to the Buccaneers and quickly rose to prominence.
Despite his flair and influence on the pitch, Saleng has not featured for Pirates since December, with his last appearance coming against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League group stages. The club has stated that his absence is due to “personal issues.”
“THE PROBLEM IS THE CONTRACT”
The agency representing Saleng has confirmed that there are significant issues at the heart of the employer-employee relationship, which require resolution. The agency further emphasized that Saleng is committed to addressing these concerns through legal and professional channels.
Over the weekend, Saleng’s parents spoke out about his struggles, with his father revealing that salary issues were at the core of the problem. Speaking to Sunday World, he said, “The problem is the contract. We would want him to stick with Pirates because it is one of the biggest clubs in the country.”
Rumors suggest that Saleng is earning around R70,000 per month at Orlando Pirates.
