Monnapule Saleng Leaves Orlando Pirates Squad to Join Bafana Bafana for CHAN Qualifiers in Bloemfontein

Monnapule Saleng, a key player for Orlando Pirates, has left the squad to join the national team as they prepare for their upcoming CHAN qualifiers against Egypt.

The two-legged match will be played on February 28 and March 9, and Saleng is set to report to Bloemfontein for the Bafana Bafana camp.

A Time for Recognition but Not the Ideal Opportunity

For Saleng, being called up to the national team is undoubtedly an honor.

Representing one’s country is a prestigious achievement for any player.

However, it’s important to note that this call-up comes at a time when Saleng, 26, is navigating through challenges at Orlando Pirates.

Being part of a mostly young and emerging Bafana squad for the CHAN qualifiers doesn’t seem to be the ideal setting for a player of Saleng’s caliber.

Saleng should be competing at the highest level, regularly featuring for South Africa in the Betway Premiership.

The squad chosen by Bafana coach Helman Mkhalele includes several emerging talents, but it doesn’t necessarily feature the star power one might expect.

While Saleng might appreciate the temporary break from his struggles at Pirates, this move doesn’t address his current issues; it merely provides a distraction that prolongs the underlying problems.

Pirates Fans Hope for Chiefs to Make an Impact

As Saleng moves to focus on international duty, Orlando Pirates fans are hoping for some help from their rivals.

The Buccaneers, currently trailing Sundowns in the title race, are counting on Kaizer Chiefs to take points off the league leaders.

With Sundowns holding a 12-point lead, Pirates need regular slip-ups from Sundowns if they are to close the gap.

This weekend’s game between Sundowns and Chiefs, scheduled for March 1 at 15:30, could be pivotal.

Pirates fans will be cheering for Chiefs to make things difficult for Sundowns in the hope that they’ll drop points in the coming rounds.

What’s Next for Saleng?

As Saleng heads off to Bafana duty, questions remain about his future at Orlando Pirates and whether this time away will benefit him.

His absence from the Pirates squad will certainly be felt, but how he performs for Bafana may help shape his path forward.

Will this experience with the national team provide the spark he needs to return to his best form? Fans are eager to find out.