Orlando Pirates and Monnapule Saleng: What’s Going On?
There’s some interesting news coming out of Orlando Pirates regarding their star winger, Monnapule Saleng, and his future at the club.
It looks like the tension between Saleng and the team might be more than just rumors, with a fresh update involving Percy Tau shedding light on the situation.
Al Ahly’s Interest and Percy Tau’s Move
Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, had shown strong interest in signing Saleng, but things have been complicated.
According to well-known journalist Peter du Toit, what’s being reported in the media doesn’t quite match up with the reality of the situation.
Al Ahly was keen to complete the deal, but they hit a roadblock because they were waiting on Percy Tau’s exit from the club.
Pirates, apparently, didn’t update Saleng on why the deal had stalled, and by the time Tau’s move to Qatar was finalized, the situation had already soured.
This led to a rift between Saleng and Pirates, and his commitment to training began to drop, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Lack of Communication? A Breakdown in Relations
It seems that poor communication might be the real issue here.
The lack of transparency about Saleng’s potential move to Al Ahly could be why the relationship between him and the club has deteriorated.
Saleng, who hasn’t played a competitive match for Pirates since December 7th, 2023, has been noticeably absent from the starting lineup.
That match, ironically, was against Al Ahly, the club that was eyeing his signature. Saleng played the full 90 minutes, while Tau came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, and it marked the last time Saleng played for the team.
A Star on the Decline?
Saleng’s 2022-2023 season was nothing short of brilliant.
He was one of the standout players in the PSL, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 30 appearances.
His impressive performances earned him the PSL Player of the Year award.
But since that high point, Saleng has struggled to maintain that level of consistency.
He’s shown glimpses of his old self, like his memorable match-winning display against Kaizer Chiefs in March 2024, but the brilliance from last season hasn’t been there week in and week out.
What’s Next for Orlando Pirates?
As for Orlando Pirates, they were set to face Golden Arrows on Wednesday, but that match was postponed.
They’ll now shift their focus to their next game against Cape Town City on Saturday, February 22nd. However, they will be without key midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, who will miss the match after picking up his fourth booking of the season.
Kabelo Dlamini is expected to start in his place, but the big question is who will partner with him in midfield.
Selaelo Rasebotja’s versatility could come in handy, or perhaps Thalente Mbatha, who seems fit and ready to play, might get the nod.
Can Pirates Fix Things with Saleng?
The big question now is whether Orlando Pirates can repair their relationship with Monnapule Saleng.
With the current situation and the tension that’s built up, it remains to be seen how things will unfold.
Fans are left wondering if the club can get their star winger back to his best, or if Saleng’s future lies elsewhere.