Orlando Pirates have made a major move regarding their troubled Bafana Bafana winger Monnapule Saleng. Saleng has been in the news lately over his situation at the Buccaneers.
However, the talented winger’s future at Orlando Pirates appears to be decided. The 26-year-old has been an absentee from the club’s line-up going on three months.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that it may be due to a failed move abroad and dissatisfaction with his wages at the club. Saleng last featured for Pirates on 7 December, when they hosted Al Ahly in a match at Orlando Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.
The Buccaneers have granted him permission to play for Bafana Bafana in the two-legged CHAN qualifier against Egypt. The first leg ended 1-1 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The former Free State Stars attacker is training with Bafana in preparation for the return leg in Cairo on Sunday, March 9.
WHAT’S THE MAJOR MONNAPULE SALENG MOVE PIRATES HAVE MADE
With the players’ contract set to expire in June 2025, FARPost has gathered that the club has exercised its option for another two years. After his eye-catching performances in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, he joined Pirates from Ea Lla Koto ahead of the 2021/22 season. He spent the 2021/22 season at Moroka Swallows.
His three-year deal with the Pirates kicked in at the start of the 2022/23 season after his Swallows stint. That contract was initially valid until June 2025, although there was a two-year extension option.
The latest development indicates that Saleng will remain a player for the Pirates for an additional two seasons. What it also means is that he can’t sign a pre-contract with any club. Any club interested in him would have to buy him from his club.
It, however, remains uncertain whether Saleng will resume training after his time with Bafana.
Meanwhile, the agency that manages the player recently issued a statement saying the “matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution”. They further said
Saleng remains “committed to addressing these matters through the appropriate legal and professional channels”.
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