For the first time in months, Monnapule Saleng has been spotted back in training with the Orlando Pirates first team.
This marks a significant moment as the Buccaneers gear up for their crucial CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash with MC Alger on Tuesday.
In a recent update, the club shared a clip from their training camp, showcasing Saleng back with the squad.
Uncertainty Surrounds Saleng’s Future with Orlando Pirates
The 26-year-old winger has been sidelined for nearly four months, and rumors about his future with the club have been swirling.
It’s widely speculated that Saleng’s absence has something to do with ongoing contract issues, and some even believe he may have already played his final match for the Pirates.
This week, fresh reports surfaced suggesting that Saleng could be eyeing a move to rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
While the club is reportedly working behind the scenes to prepare for next season, discussions about Saleng’s potential move are being kept under wraps.
A source close to the team commented to KickOff magazine, stating that final decisions about player signings will be made at the end of the season, but wouldn’t confirm whether Saleng would be joining Chiefs.
A Boost for the Pirates in the Final Stretch of the Season
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Orlando Pirates still have over 10 matches left to play this season.
With the team having been more effective on the wings this year, Saleng’s return to the squad is expected to give them a significant boost as they try to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns at the top.
While it’s unclear exactly how much playing time Saleng will get in the remaining games, his presence in training suggests he might feature in most of them as the Pirates push for the final stretch of the season.