Orlando Pirates legend Lebohang Mokoena has explained why the Buccaneers might regret selling star winger Monnapule Saleng to their direct rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Saleng completed a high-profile move to the defending Betway Premiership champions, Sundowns, in the 2026 January transfer window period after spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Orbit College FC.
His arrival bolsters a Masandawana side currently chasing an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title.
The 27-year-old made a cameo debut for Bafana Ba Style this past Sunday, coming off the bench in the 80th minute to replace Tashreeq Matthews during the 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised the winger’s integration into the squad, noting his tactical utility even in a short appearance. The Portuguese mentor went on to say that Saleng’s introduction was instrumental in their final scoreline against Babina Noko.
Saleng enjoyed a dream debut, turning the game on its head just sixty seconds after his introduction. The substitute teed up Iqraam Rayners to restore Sundowns’ lead before playing a pivotal role in the build-up to Rayners’ brace.
WHAT MIGUEL CARDOSO SAID ABOUT MONNAPULE SALENG’S DEBUT FOR SUNDOWNS
“He’s made a fantastic recovery, but we’re not rushing him. So, he’s still building his conditioning and learning our system. He’s versatile—he can play inside or out. We needed his tactical flexibility…. to protect [Khuliso] Mudau, who was nursing an injury,” said Cardoso after the Sekhukhune match.
“We brought him on at the perfect moment for Tashreeq. His impact led directly to Iqraam’s goal; it was a great execution. You need players who can attack defenders from the start, but at a club like Sundowns, you also need that same aggression coming off the bench.”
LEBOHANG MOKOENA WEIGHS IN ON PIRATES’ DECISION TO SELL SALENG TO SUNDOWNS
‘Cheeseboy’, as he is affectionately known in football circles, expressed mixed emotions—happiness for the player but scepticism about Pirates’ transfer strategy.
With the Betway Premiership title race reaching a fever pitch, Mokoena suggests the Soweto giants might regret selling Saleng to the Brazilians.
“Look, first of all, personally, I’m happy for the boy. You know I haven’t seen him in action for quite some time. He has been going through a lot, and as a former footballer, I feel for him. I know the type of situation he was in,” Mokoena told SoccerBeat Podcast.
“But now, coming to the question of whether Pirates did the right thing by letting him go, I think the club knew why they had to release Saleng, especially since they gave him to a rival team that they are competing against in the Betway Premiership.
“You know, I think they might now be licking their wounds a bit and saying, ‘Maybe we should have kept him just for this season because we look like we are in the running for the league’.”
Currently, the Sea Robbers and Masandawana are locked at the summit of the log with 41 points apiece, with Pirates holding onto first place only by a suprior goal difference.
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