Orlando Pirates are facing mounting pressure to resolve the ongoing situation with Monnapule Saleng after their squad depth was brutally exposed in a heavy loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers entered the season with aspirations of challenging for the Betway Premiership title, but their recent performance has revealed a major flaw—lack of squad depth. Competing for the league title requires endurance, and Pirates are now feeling the weight of that reality.
Sundowns’ Tactical Edge Exposes Pirates’ Limitations
Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated the league for the past seven years, showed the importance of squad rotation in their dominant performance. Players like Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Lucas Suarez, Jayden Adams, and Aubrey Modiba started with fresh legs, showcasing the value of rotation. The only exception was Adams, who made just his second start of the season.
In contrast, Orlando Pirates stuck with an unchanged lineup despite playing three high-intensity matches in just eight days. Their physical exhaustion from recent fixtures against Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United made them vulnerable to Sundowns’ well-rested and fresh squad.
Coach Jose Riveiro faced a harsh reality—he lacked the depth to rotate key players. Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Thalente Mbatha all stayed in the starting lineup due to the absence of viable replacements. Although Pirates started the season strong, their lack of depth was exposed in their first real test of endurance and flexibility.
The Saleng Situation: A Growing Concern
The uncertainty surrounding Monnapule Saleng has only added to the frustration. Despite failing to make any signings in the January transfer window, the club has kept quiet about Saleng’s absence, which has sparked growing concerns among fans. Many are hopeful that his return could provide a much-needed boost at a critical point in the season.
Saleng last played in early December, and his absence from the squad remains unexplained. When asked about the situation, his agent, Karabo Tshabuse of P Management Sports, declined to comment, leaving fans in the dark.
Saleng has made 13 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist. However, he has only played in three Betway Premiership matches, and his mysterious absence has fueled further speculation.
Can Pirates Recover Before It’s Too Late?
With the season entering its crucial final stages, Orlando Pirates must urgently address their issues. Will they reintegrate Saleng into the squad, find internal solutions to their depth issues, or risk seeing their promising season slip away due to poor squad management?
One thing is clear—time is running out, and Pirates can’t afford to waste any more opportunities.
