Following Orlando Pirates’ disappointing 4-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, fans are calling for the return of Monnapule Saleng to the squad. Despite two goals from Lucas Ribeiro and additional strikes from Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena, Sundowns secured all three points at Loftus Versfeld, extending their lead in the Betway Premiership to nine points.
Coming off two consecutive league wins, Orlando Pirates entered Saturday’s match with high hopes of defeating Sundowns for the first time in five years. However, an early goal from Kekana put them on the back foot. Despite Deon Hotto’s second-half goal, the Buccaneers were unable to recover, and Sundowns’ dominance made the result inevitable.
After the defeat, many Pirates fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, demanding Saleng’s return to the team. The 26-year-old forward has been sidelined for two months, and supporters believe his presence could have made a difference in the loss to Sundowns.
One fan, @khedsmann, criticized the club’s management, saying, “Going into the game without your best 11 is utter madness from Orlando Pirates management. They don’t want to win the league, Saleng should’ve been back long ago.” Another fan, @MT_Ntsonda, shared similar sentiments, adding, “It’s games like this that’ll make you miss, Thabiso Sesane, Olisah Ndah, Thalente Mbatha & Monnapule Saleng.”
Ahead of the match, @DumaMsuthu tweeted, “No Monnapule Saleng, no win for Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow, no Champions League title either.”
The 4-1 loss has severely dented Orlando Pirates’ title hopes, leaving their chances of winning the league hanging by a thread. Though they still have a game in hand, the damage from this defeat could be difficult to overcome. The team’s focus may now shift to the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League as they look to salvage their season.
As Saleng remains sidelined, it’s uncertain when or if he will return to action for the Buccaneers. Fans are eager for a resolution to his absence as they hope for a boost to their squad’s fortunes.
