THE END IS NIGH? Monnapule Saleng's uncertain future at Orlando Pirates, following a rumoured failed Al Ahly transfer and wage dissatisfaction, raises speculation about his continued absence from the lineup. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The longer Monnapule Saleng goes without putting on an Orlando Pirates jersey, the more likely it seems he will never do so again.
This, of course, is pure conjecture as there is no official word on his situation at the Soweto Giants.
For whatever reason (though there has been plenty of speculation), the 26-year-old winger has been a notable absentee from the Pirates’ lineup for over three months.
A couple of weeks ago, it surfaced that it might be due to a failed move abroad and dissatisfaction with his wages at the club.
Again, the club has not confirmed this information.
After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng chose not to attend training, which led to his exclusion from the team.
Interestingly though, Jose Riveiro spoke on the Saleng issue for the first time last week.
While Riveiro did not provide specific details about Saleng’s situation, his statements were quite revealing.
“It’s something that, as you know, is not my role to speak so much about that issue. I just wish the best for both sides in this case and we don't... whatever I say is going to be a big headline, right?”
Riveiro went on to intimate that Saleng may not want to be at the club, as he talked about other players with ‘hunger’.
“But we focus on the place that we have. That's it. I think luckily we have a lot of talent in the team.
“We have players with a lot of hunger, wanting to use their opportunities. Like I said many times, the opportunities are presented there for them.