Orlando Pirates Stand Firm on Monnapule Saleng Amid Fan Frustrations and Al Ahly Interest

Orlando Pirates Stand Firm on Monnapule Saleng Amid Fan Frustrations and Al Ahly Interest

  • Orlando Pirates insist that they still value Monnapule Saleng despite his absence from the field and a bid from Al Ahly for the winger
  • Saleng has been a notable absence from the Pirates squad despite scoring 25 goals for the Soweto giants since his arrival in 2023
  • Bucs’ supporters reacted on social media by voicing their frustrations over Pirates’ treatment of Saleng as they feel the player should be a constant in their starting line-up

Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!

Despite his absence from the Orlando Pirates matchday squads, Monnapule Saleng is still highly valued at the club and could be used this season.

Saleng is a fan favourite at Pirates yet has not played for the club for months, despite scoring 25 goals for the Soweto giants since his arrival in 2023.

Monnapule Saleng is still in Jose Riveiro's plans at Orlando Pirates.
Attacker Monnapule Saleng has not been used regularly by Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. Image: saleng_monnapule_10/Instagram and orlandopirates/Twitter.
Source: Twitter

According to reports, Pirates rejected a bid from Al Ahly for the 26-year-old, while they have placed a R14 million price tag on the player.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs secure deal with South American midfielder amid interest from other clubs

Monnapule Saleng is admired by Orlando Pirates

Saleng's situation at Pirates is explained in the tweet below:

Source

https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/siyagobhoza/insiders-monnapule-saleng-failed-move-to-al-ahly-has-nothing-to-do-with-why-he-is-not-playing-at-orlando-pirates-20250221?Labels=

A Soccer Laduma source at Pirates said the club has plans for Saleng, while questions remain over his lack of game time at the Soweto giants.

The source said:

“He has a contract, is highly valued by the club and he wants to still play for the club. So for now there are no plans to sell or release him, just for the sake of getting rid of him. He is a Pirates player and has been training with the first team, so when the technical team feels the need to use him, they will because he is their player.”

Watch Saleng's situation being discussed in the video below:

Saleng’s situation is still uncertain

Coach Jose Riveiro has continued to remain coy about Saleng’s future as the club continues its push for success in the PSL, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League

Read also

Rulani Mokwena targets Orlando Pirates superstar for Wydad Athletic Club

During the January transfer window, Riveiro failed to bring in new faces as the Spanish coach used the window to extend contracts and promote young talent.

Players such as Neo Mokoena and Mbekezeli Mboweni have been promoted to their first team while Kabelo Dlamini has extended his stay at the club.

Monnapule Saleng won the Nedbank Cup with Orlando Pirates last season.
Monnapule Saleng has scored 25 goals for Orlando Pirates since 2023. Image: saleng_monnapule_10.
Source: Twitter

Fans are frustrated about Saleng

Bucs’ supporters voiced their frustrations on social media, calling an end to the sage that has plagued the talented player’s career.

Mahlatse Njaroz Lucky says Pirates must sell Saleng:

“Let him go play elsewhere. If he wants to be released, he must be released; there are teams out there who can show interest and give him game time. The guy deserves to continue with his career.”

Míñdló Pérlíñg asked questions:

“But was he always there in training? Didn't he go AWOL? Did he honour his contract?”

Lutho Ngqongwa is frustrated:

Read also

Mabasa and Pirates Eye Glory, Striker Nears Club Record as Bucs Chase Treble

“This thing of Saleng it's annoying now, honestly. If Saleng is not happy at Pirates, Khoza must let him go as it's a hard pill to swallow. Yes Saleng is a very good player and every team would love to have him but if he's not happy let him go where his heart wants to be. Please move on Khoza.”

Favour Nkqonkqoza Lutweyi wants an end to the saga:

“Can Pirates make up their mind on this matter, this whole saga is not good at all for our brand and our very motivated team.”

Sandile Mngomezulu wants Saleng to stay:

“Good, we can't lose a player like him. Management must fix this problem before it is too late, please Dr Khoza.”

Orlando Pirates reject R25.8 million bid for star player

As reported by Briefly News, Orlando Pirates have rejected an R25.8 million bid from Egyptian side Zamalek for winger Relebohile Mofokeng.

Read also

Nabi laments after Kaizer Chiefs’ defeat, explains why Amakhosi were thrashed by SuperSport

Mofokeng has been a breakout star in South African football since breaking into the Orlando Pirates first team while his form has attracted interest from overseas clubs.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Junior Bester avatar

Junior Bester (Sports Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za