The future of Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Pirates has been a topic of much speculation, but the club has finally made a clear decision, putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding their star winger.
Saleng, 26, has been absent from the team for nearly three months, leading many to wonder about his future with the Buccaneers.
Why Was Saleng Left Out?
Saleng’s time away from the pitch has raised several questions. It’s been reported that his absence is linked to an overseas transfer that fell through, coupled with dissatisfaction over his current wages at the club.
His last appearance for Pirates was on December 7, 2024, when the team played to a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium.
Despite the speculation surrounding his club situation, Saleng has remained active with the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
He’s been allowed by Pirates to represent his country in the two-legged CHAN qualifier against Egypt.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Free State Stadium, and Saleng continues his preparations for the return leg in Cairo, scheduled for March 9, 2025.
Pirates Opt to Extend Saleng’s Contract
In a move that puts an end to any uncertainty about Saleng’s future, Orlando Pirates have exercised their option to extend his contract for another two years, keeping him at the club until at least 2027.
This decision comes just as his original contract was set to expire in June 2025.
By triggering the extension, Pirates have blocked the possibility of Saleng signing a pre-contract with another club, meaning that any interested team will now need to negotiate a transfer fee with the Buccaneers.
Saleng originally joined Pirates from Free State Stars after a standout season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
He also spent the 2021/2022 season on loan at Moroka Swallows before officially beginning his Pirates career in the 2022/2023 season.
Will Saleng Return to Training?
While his contract extension clears up any concerns about his future at the club, it remains to be seen whether Saleng will return to training with Pirates after his current international duties with Bafana Bafana.
His agency recently released a statement highlighting that there are still significant issues to resolve within the employer-employee relationship, which they are addressing through legal and professional channels.
Despite these ongoing concerns, the agency reassured that Saleng remains committed to resolving the matter.
What’s Next for Saleng at Orlando Pirates?
Now that his contract extension has been confirmed, all eyes will be on whether Saleng will rejoin the Pirates squad after his international commitments.
Will he push for an exit, or will he reintegrate into the team? The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping his future, as he will need to decide whether to remain at Pirates or look for an opportunity elsewhere.
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow Monnapule Saleng’s journey with Orlando Pirates and his next steps.