Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng’s limited playing time in the last two months has raised eyebrows given he is one of the prominent players at the club.
Saleng, the PSL Player of the Year in 2022-23, started the season well, featuring in the club’s MTN8 matches, and was expected to set the league alight when the PSL campaign started in September.
However, Saleng started just two league matches, scoring in both as Pirates beat Chippa United 2-1 and Polokwane City 3-0 on September 18 and 24 respectively.
He limped out at halftime against Polokwane with an injury, missing the next league game, but was back in the starting XI as Pirates suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout first round.
Nkota has taken Saleng’s place
However, he was substituted at halftime with youngster Mohau Nkota replacing him. What was supposed to be a tactical change has turned out to be a changing of guard of some sort as since then, the 20-year-old has been trusted on the right wing of Pirates attack with Saleng nowhere to be seen.
Saleng would miss the next three games, before getting 16 minutes against Richards Bay at the start of November, but has not been seen again since, missing the last five PSL matches.
He had a rare start in the CAF Champions League on December 7 when Pirates held Al Ahly to a barren draw.
Bucs missing winger’s magic touch
It has left fans speculating over the whereabouts of the attacker who is one of the few players that can produce a moment of magic when the team is in a tight spot.
With his bravery on the ball, pace, ability to beat his markers and finishing, whether on his left foot or with his head, few expected a youngster to be playing ahead of Saleng but that is what has been happening for over two months.
Coach Jose Riveiro has been mum over the situation of the 25-year-old and maintained the same approach on Friday when quizzed whether the winger will be in the squad for Pirates’ CAF Champions League match against Stade d’Abidjan on Saturday.
Riveiro maintains his silence
“Obviously, I’m not gonna tell you 24 hours before the match who is available or who’s not,” Riveiro told the media.
“First, because we still have a training session in 30 minutes, so once we finish the training, we will know who is available and who is not.
“You will probably understand I’m not gonna say anything about who’s gonna be in the 20 or the starting XI or who is not available tomorrow because those small things are also playing the game for our opponents who like to know who’s gonna play.
“So, I’m not gonna tell you who is in, who is out I’m sure that you can understand.”
Disciplinary or contract issue?
That will only heighten the speculation especially with the January transfer window open.
There have been unconfirmed reports that the player may be out due to a disciplinary issue while others claim it is about a contract standoff as he is seeking improved terms.
Riveiro previously hinted that the player may have been affected by some personal issues.
“Saleng didn’t have a good half of the season for multiple reasons; we cannot discuss it in this space,” Riveiro said in March.
“He’s not a forgotten player, that’s for sure; you saw him today. He needs our support also, our help to be again the Saleng that everybody saw last season — and he’s right now doing the right steps.”
Whatever the reasons, Pirates supporters will be hoping that Saleng returns strongly given he is a fan favourite who has carried the team on multiple occasions.
