Monnapule Saleng released from Bafana CHAN squad
Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng has been released from the Bafana Bafana CHAN squad after spending more than a week in camp.
Saleng was called up to the Bafana squad for the CHAN qualifiers under the guidance of former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki.
The talented attacker has been a topic of discussion in South African football following his long absence from Pirates’ matchday squad.
The left-footed winger was in the starting line-up for the first-leg of the Bafana Bafana match against Egypt at the Free State Stadium this past weekend. South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Egypt, and they’ll be looking for positive results in an away fixture with the same opponents on Sunday.
With the Bafana set to jet off for the clash against Egypt, they have been dealt with the blow of Saleng, who is set to return to his club.
According to SAFA media, the former Free State Stars attacker is returning to Pirates alongside his teammate Azola Tshobeni, while Naledi Hlongwane and Nduduzo Mhlongo are returning Chiefs and Golden Arrows, respectively.
MOLEFI NTSEKI SPEAKS ON THE CHANGES IN BAFANA BAFANA CHAN SQUAD
The withdrawn players will be replaced by TS Galaxy striker Victor Letsoalo and Royal AM duo Mondli Mpoto and Levy Mashiane.
Saleng’s return to Pirates comes after FARPost reported that the Buccaneers took a two-year option on the player’s contract to keep him at the club until 2027.
“So, what we did when we got to camp, we did a squad profile to see who is playing and who is better in which positions in terms of our approach. With us doing that, we also worked on the structure,” said Ntseki.
“We realised that after the game in Bloemfontein, there are certain positions that we needed to reinforce, especially with us having to go and play Egypt in Egypt.
“So, we have released a few of our players that came to camp last week. We have brought in a few of the players in terms of the squad balance. We had to thank them by releasing these players back to their clubs.”
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