Monnapule Saleng has been at the center of attention recently, with his future at Orlando Pirates continuing to generate headlines.
The talented winger has been absent from the matchday squad for some time now, leaving fans and the media speculating about the reasons behind his continued exclusion.
The Mysterious Absence from the Pirates Squad
Saleng last featured for Orlando Pirates on December 7, 2024, in a CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly.
Since then, his absence has raised eyebrows, with many wondering what might have caused the sudden break from the team.
The Al Ahly Transfer Saga and Its Fallout
Veteran journalist Peter du Toit, who owns SoccerBeat, recently revealed that much of the information circulating about Saleng’s situation is incomplete.
According to Du Toit, Saleng’s absence and the rumors surrounding his future stem from a failed move to Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants.
Apparently, Al Ahly had approached both Pirates and Saleng with a solid offer to sign the Bafana Bafana international.
Pirates, while reluctant to lose Saleng, were open to the move and didn’t stand in his way.
However, the deal fell apart when Al Ahly couldn’t manage to sell their star player, Percy Tau, before finalizing Saleng’s transfer.
The Breakdown of the Deal
The proposed transfer was tied to Al Ahly’s attempt to sell Percy Tau, as they wanted Saleng to replace him.
However, Tau’s struggles to find a new club caused Al Ahly to pause the deal for Saleng.
This left the winger feeling frustrated and, according to Du Toit, he mistakenly believed that Pirates were responsible for blocking the move.
In response to this perceived setback, Saleng began skipping training, which only worsened his relationship with the Pirates technical staff.
Du Toit suggests that Saleng, not fully aware of the circumstances behind the deal’s collapse, might have been poorly advised.
A Possible Return to Al Ahly?
The situation could still see a resolution, according to Du Toit. If Al Ahly manages to sell Tau to a club in Qatar, they may return to their pursuit of Saleng.
However, for that to happen, Saleng would need to remain in good form and honor his contract with Pirates.
Unfortunately, his sporadic attendance at training has made it challenging for the Pirates coaching staff to include him in matches.
What Lies Ahead for Saleng?
So, what’s next for Monnapule Saleng? With his future at Orlando Pirates in limbo and the potential for a transfer still up in the air, fans will have to wait and see how things unfold.
Saleng will need to manage his frustrations and continue honoring his current contract if he hopes to attract interest from clubs like Al Ahly.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn