It’s strange to see spectacular footballers fall into relative obscurity. That’s what’s happened to Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Pirates.
Did we perhaps overrate the occasionally brilliant winger because he can win matches on his own?
27-year-old Saleng now faces the prospect of wasting away in the reserves without any prospects of moving to secure first-team football.
Saleng hits a crossroads
After not featuring for the Orlando Pirates first team since December 2024, speculation was rife that 27-year-old wide attacker Monnapule Saleng had admirers across the continent and even some in Europe. However, all of that chatter has died down. That’s not a great sign for the player or Pirates, who’d ideally like to get a big fee for him.
What is Saleng earning at Pirates?
MVP in 2023 for Orlando Pirates
Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn’t reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then grabbed the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There’s no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Can he rekindle this form and rise from the ashes like a phoenix, or has that ship sailed?
Orlando Pirates XI next season with two brand new signings
What do you think is the best next move for the player?
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