Former Orlando Pirates player urges club 'not to give up on Monnapule Saleng' - 'He has contributed positively & will be difficult to let him leave'

Monnapule Saleng started the 2024/25 season well, scoring five goals and providing an assist in his initial 12 games played.

However, he has since been left out the team and match day squads, with his last appearance coming against Al Ahly in early December 2024.

In total, Saleng has played 13 games for the Soweto giants so far this season.

There have been numerous rumours about Saleng's situation at the club.

Some claim he has a private family issue he is dealing with, while a others believe he is not physically fit owing to a possible injury.

There have been arguments in some quarters that Saleng does not fit in Jose Riveiro's system, while others argued he is unhappy after Bucs refused to release him.

Nevertheless, former Pirates player James Mothibi insists whatever the case, the club should not let the player leave.

“All I can say about Monnapule Saleng is that he is a player that Pirates need, and I know that he is a player that Pirates have always protected like all the other players. He is a player that Pirates loves. He is loved by the Pirates family, and I am talking about his teammates, coaches, and everyone at the club. He is a player that is valued at Pirates,” He told SNL24.

“Saleng is a player that has contributed positively at Pirates and therefore it will be very difficult to allow someone like that to leave, especially as he has been dealing with personal issues, as far as I understand. The team is there for him and rightfully so, because I believe we shouldn’t just give up on someone in such a situation,” Mothibi concluded.

The player and all associated with him are hoping the situation can be solved soon.

Bucs are challenging for the Premier Soccer League, the Caf Champions League as well as the Nedbank Cup and will need all their quality players available to deliver the desired results.