Despite Orlando Pirates enjoying a great season, former midfielder Michael Morton has identified a deficiency in the team’s attacking capabilities, suggesting a key area where the Buccaneers are falling short.
Pirates have demonstrated strong performance both domestically in the PSL and continentally in the CAF Champions League.
In the Betway Premiership, Pirates currently hold the second position with 36 points from 15 matches, trailing league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points, albeit with three games in hand. Their domestic success also includes an MTN8 triumph, where they secured their third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the early stages of the season.
However, their Carling Knockout Cup campaign ended in the Last 16. But Pirates are also progressing in the Nedbank Cup, having reached the quarterfinals and are currently defending champions.
On the continental stage, Pirates have advanced to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. Notably, they remain undefeated in the competition, having recorded seven wins and three draws across ten matches.
MORTON SAYS PIRATES ARE LACKING DEPTH ON THE RIGHT WING DUE TO MONNAPULE SALENG’S ABSENCE
The veteran midfielder says Pirates lack depth on the right wing due to Saleng’s absence. The matter of Saleng not playing has led Pirates faithful to look for answers, and the club has yet to respond. Deon Hotto and Mohau Nkota have been playing on the right wing. In Pirates’ recent game against Cape Town City FC in the league, they used Bandile Shandu as a right winger.
In the current season, Saleng has scored five goals and grabbed an assist in 13 matches in all competitions. He scored a goal in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch in October 2024. The last time he was in action was back in December 2024 in the Champions League against Al Ahly.
“They’re lacking in depth, the fact that Saleng is still missing. But they’ve been using Hotto forward and [Mohau] Nkota where Saleng should be playing [on the wing],” Morton told FARPost.
“Nkota has impressed. Hotto has been doing well there, but in most of the games, he’s been playing left-back and then moving to the wing.
“Ideally, no one knows what is going on with Saleng. People can say all they want, but it will be just speculation. The club should just address the matter, whatever it is.”
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