The saga between Orlando Pirates and their talented forward Monnapule Saleng continues to take new turns every week, with the latest developments pointing towards a growing divide between the player and the club.
Saleng and Pirates at a Crossroads
There’s been a whirlwind of rumours surrounding Saleng’s future at Orlando Pirates.
Initially, reports surfaced suggesting that the club had denied him a lucrative opportunity to move abroad a couple of years ago.
More recently, speculation emerged claiming that Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly had struck a deal to bring him to Egypt, only for the transfer to hit a roadblock.
The delay reportedly left Saleng disgruntled, leading him to skip training sessions.
Saleng Returns to Action but Faces Setback
After being sidelined by Orlando Pirates, Saleng made his long-awaited return to action this past weekend.
He impressed in his 90-minute performance with the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, during their 1-1 draw against Egypt in the African Nations Championship qualifiers.
However, despite his strong showing, Saleng was not selected for the second leg of the qualifiers in Egypt, sparking further confusion about his relationship with the club.
Bafana Bafana Dropped Saleng Amid Club Drama
The situation escalated when Saleng failed to report to the Bafana Bafana camp in Johannesburg, leading to his release from the national team.
While some speculated that Orlando Pirates had recalled Saleng after his impressive stint with Bafana Bafana, the truth is more complex.
Reports suggest that Saleng’s absence from training has made him a distraction, and now, the possibility of him leaving Pirates seems almost certain.
Monnapule Saleng Set to Leave Orlando Pirates at Season’s End
According to sources close to the situation, it’s highly likely that Saleng will part ways with Orlando Pirates at the end of the season.
This news has left many fans disappointed, as Saleng’s talent has always been one of the club’s key assets.
Sportswire reported that the club allegedly instructed him to stay away from training, citing his presence as a distraction, which points to an impending departure.