Orlando Pirates have been given 48 hours to come clean over the situation of Mannapule Saleng or have the story broken to the public.
Saleng has rarely been in action for Pirates for this season, raising questions over his whereabouts, but the club and coach Jose Riveiro have been mum over the issue.
That has led to speculation in mainstream and social media over the situation of the winger with different versions flying around but journalist Robert Marawa now claims to have the true story and has given Pirates 48 hours to explain the player’s absence or he will do it.
“We have the story but giving the Club their 48hrs to address their fans on the matter. Otherwise, we will,” Marawa posted on X (formerly Twitter), in response to a concerned fan.
Is Saleng on a ‘DDC salary’ at Pirates?
Saleng’s absence has been reported to be down to a contractual dispute, some claiming he is unhappy over his “DDC salary,” while other reports claim it is a personal issue and the silence from Pirates has led to further speculation.
Riveiro refused to talk about the player again ahead of last Saturday’s Nedbank Cup win against Baroka, insisting “he does not talk about individuals,” while the only statement from Pirates came in January when the club refuted reports that they had received an offer for him from the Middle East.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club categorically denies ever receiving any offer from a Middle Eastern club for the services of Monnapule Saleng,” the club said through a statement.
That added to the suspense regarding Saleng, voted the PSL Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season.
Saleng started the 2024-25 season well with Pirates, featuring in MTN8 games in the quarters and semi-finals, as well as the opening three league matches but limped off at halftime in their third game against Polokwane with an injury.
Winger has not been seen since November
He would miss 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 on October 19, 2024.
Saleng was substituted at halftime with youngster Mohau Nkota replacing him and he would miss the next three games, before getting 16 minutes against Richards Bay at the start of November. He has not been seen in the PSL since.
The winger had a rare start in the CAF Champions League on December 7 when Pirates held Al Ahly to a barren draw.
Saleng had scored five goals and provided an assist in 13 games this season before his exile, taking his tally to 25 goals and 17 assists in 70 games across all competitions since joining the Soweto giants in 2021 from Free State Stars, with a one-year loan deal at Moroka Swallows in between (2021-22).
