Bafana Bafana international Monnapule Saleng has been in the cold after falling out with the Orlando Pirates management.
The 27-year-old's last appearance for the Buccaneers was way back in December during the Caf Champions League's Group C game against Al Ahly at the Orlando Stadium, a match that ended goalless. Since then, he has been out of competitive games with no explanations given by the management.
It has now been revealed that the newly crowned Egyptian Premier League champions Al Ahly were keen on netting the talented attacker from the Buccaneers.
Saleng was seen as the player who could replace Percy Tau at the club.
We thought Saleng was an excellent player
According to former Al Ahly's scouting head Hanzy Ramzy, coach Marcel Koller had already identified the winger to bring depth and versatility in the attacking department, but things didn't materialise as anticipated.
“There are names I think Al Ahly should sign. A player in South Africa, similar to Percy Tau in his style of play, but faster and with great skills. His name is Saleng, he plays for Orlando Pirates,” he told Kora Talks Podcast in a recent interview.
“This nomination was made a season and a half ago. We thought he was an excellent player, and Marcel Koller followed him and expressed his admiration, but no decision was made regarding him either. The deal was not completed,” he concluded.
Jose Riveiro is now the new coach at the Red Devils after leaving Pirates a couple of weeks ago. It is interesting to see if he will go back to the former club to try and sign Saleng or not; Al Ahly are currently preparing to play Fifa Club World Cup in the United States from June 14 to July 13.
