Monnapule Saleng has been the center of attention at Orlando Pirates recently, but not for the usual reasons of scoring goals. The 27-year-old winger has had a turbulent season, with his status at the club raising more questions than answers.
Saleng has frequently been in and out of the Pirates squad, and at times, he’s even been absent from training, sparking speculation about his off-field behavior and his relationship with coach Jose Riveiro. A fan favorite at Pirates, Saleng’s situation has caused division among supporters. Some want more clarity on the issue before making any judgments, while others have already jumped to conclusions. There are rumors circulating that Saleng’s high salary demands are at the root of the tension, with some fans accusing him of being greedy. On the other hand, some supporters believe Saleng deserves more backing from Riveiro and the club management.
After being left out of more than five games towards the end of last year, Saleng was noticeably absent from training during that period as well. His return to action was marked by an impressive performance against Al Ahly, and he featured in a few more games thereafter. However, just when it seemed like things were getting back on track, he was dropped from the squad again. Photos surfaced showing Saleng looking visibly upset in the stands while his teammates celebrated a goal, further fueling the speculation. He was excluded from two important fixtures— a loss to Cape Town City and a win against C.R. Belouizdad—and missed training in preparation for their match against Al Ahly in Cairo. This absence raised even more concerns about his future at the club.
In a twist to the ongoing saga, Saleng was recently spotted training with the team again, sparking fresh hope among Pirates fans. However, it remains uncertain if this means he will feature in an upcoming match, as he had trained before the City game earlier in the season but was still left out of the squad.
Pirates fans are eagerly awaiting clarity on the situation, with many wondering how quickly the Saleng saga will come to a resolution. What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share your views in the comments below.
