For nearly four months now, Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng has been notably absent from action, caught in a standoff with the club over his salary demands.
The situation has become increasingly tense, with neither the player nor the club willing to back down, hinting at what could be a messy separation.
Despite this, an inside source has suggested that things might not be as grim as they appear.
The Club’s Stand on Saleng’s Absence
A source from within the club recently responded to rumors that Saleng’s time at Orlando Pirates was nearing its end.
“Who is saying that [Saleng will leave]? There is no such thing, and he remains an Orlando Pirates player,” the source asserted.
They pointed out that if Saleng were truly on his way out, the club would have released him back in January.
Instead, his continued presence on the roster suggests that the player is still in the club’s plans.
The source also mentioned that, despite his absence, there is space for Saleng in the team.
A recent example was when Mohau Nkota’s performance in the derby wasn’t up to par.
Had Saleng been available, he could have been the natural replacement, but he was missing from the matchday squad.
However, the source remains optimistic, saying, “He will be back.”
Saleng’s Silence on His Future
As of now, Saleng has remained tight-lipped about his future with the club.
There’s been no official statement from him regarding whether he plans to stay or leave, leaving fans and pundits alike in the dark about the final outcome of this ongoing issue.
Upcoming Fixtures for Orlando Pirates
Even without Saleng, Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a busy schedule in the coming weeks.
The team will be traveling to MC Alger next week for the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
Manager Jose Riveiro has led the team into the knockout stages with impressive form, including a victory over league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in their most recent match.
It’s been 30 years since the Buccaneers last lifted the prestigious Champions League trophy, and many feel this is their best shot at securing the title since then.
Here are the upcoming fixtures for Orlando Pirates:
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MC Alger vs Pirates (April 1, 21:00)
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Polokwane City vs Pirates (April 6, 15:00)
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Pirates vs MC Alger (April 9, 18:00)
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SuperSport United vs Pirates (April 20, 17:30)
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Pirates vs Magesi (April 25, 19:30)
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Kaizer Chiefs vs Pirates (May 3, 15:00)