According to the official Monnapule Saleng bio on the Orlando Pirates website, the club declares that the attacker “shares many qualities” with his idol, Netherlands legend Arjen Robben.
Yet, for all his talents and such effusive comparisons, Saleng has been conspicuous by his absence from the Pirates lineup going on three months. So what has happened?
Let’s break it down.
Monnapule Saleng’s timeline at Orlando Pirates
July 2021: Saleng signs for Pirates after impressing for Free State Stars.
2021-22 season: The versatile attacker spends the season on loan at Moroka Swallows.
2022-23 season: Saleng returns to Pirates, kick starting his three-year deal at the club (valid until June 2025, with a two-year extension option).
2022-23 season: The rising star establishes himself as a first-team regular, scoring 11 goals in 22 games in the league.
2023-24 season: By now well-established as one of the most exciting talents in South African football, all expectations are for Saleng to fulfil a frontline role as Pirates look to contend for major trophies.
7 December 2024: At the time, no one could have known, but as it stands this is the last time Saleng was in action for Pirates when they hosted Al Ahly in a Caf Champions League match.
February 2025: As questions persist over Saleng’s continued absence at Pirates, rumours and reports emerge to suggest that issues with his contract, salary and apparent mistreatment have all led to a breakdown in the relationship with Pirates.
February 2025: Further reports claim that the relationship reached a breaking point after the Pirates star was denied a blockbuster move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, triggering what some suggested were also issues of ill-discipline from the player and unbecoming behaviour at training.
6 March 2025: After receiving permission to turn out for Bafana Bafana and initially producing an impressive performance, he was subsequently released from the team camp. “He’s struggling. He’s not taking this Pirates thing well. Mentally, he’s not in the best place,” a source close to the player told FARPost.
10 March 2025: With matters at a stalemate, more reports emerge to suggest Saleng is preparing to submit a transfer request to leave at the end of the season unless Pirates resolve his grievances regarding ‘fair pay’.
11 March 2025: As it stands, there is still no clarity over whether Saleng will stay or go, but what is clear is that he is not likely to feature for Pirates any time soon, with his representative stating the following: “This matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution.”
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