How a failed move to Al Ahly allegedly caused Monnapule Saleng's impasse with Orlando Pirates as Percy Tau role in situation revealed - report

In recent weeks, social media has been buzzing with speculation about Monnapule Saleng’s sudden absence from Orlando Pirates.

The 26-year-old has not featured in a match since December, with reports suggesting he has also missed training.

SoccerBeat’s Peter Du Toit recently shed light on the situation, revealing that he was on the verge of joining an African giant. Pirates and Al Ahly had reached an agreement, but the deal hinged on Percy Tau’s departure from Al Ahly.

However, Tau remained with the Caf Champions League holders longer than expected, leading the Red Devils to withdraw their interest in Saleng. The winger was seen as a potential replacement for Tau, and when that move fell through, his transfer collapsed as well. Now, he faces uncertainty about his future with the Buccaneers.

Du Toit confirmed that Al Ahly made an official offer to Pirates for Saleng, insisting that the approach was direct and above board.
“Factually, none other than Al Ahly. Obviously, it’s an Egyptian club, the biggest club in Africa. No disrespect to Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns, but if you look at the trophies, it’s the biggest club in Africa,” he said on SoccerBeat.

Du Toit added that Pirates did not reject the offer, as some reports suggested. Instead, they even went as far as organizing Saleng’s visa for a move to Egypt.

“Saleng obviously saw that offer and was happy with the terms. Pirates did not turn down the offer as has been banded about. In actual fact, I can confirm that Orlando Pirates actually went so far as to organize the visa for Saleng to go to Egypt,” he stated.

However, despite everything progressing smoothly, the transfer ultimately collapsed. Du Toit explained that it was not due to issues between Pirates and Al Ahly, nor was it a dispute between Saleng’s agent and the club.

“Now, what went wrong? Because something obviously went wrong. Was it the negotiations with Saleng’s agent and club? No. Was it, as people seem to think, a negotiation problem between Pirates and Al Ahly? No,” he clarified.

He concluded that the unexpected stumbling block was Tau.

“Unknown to Pirates and Saleng, there’s always a third party, and the third party was Percy Tau. Without telling Chiefs, Pirates, and Saleng, Al Ahly was in the process of trying to sell Tau, and Saleng was meant to replace him. That deal didn’t happen at that particular time. We know later Tau went to Qatar, so when they couldn’t sell Tau, they basically slowly moved away from the deal,” Du Toit revealed.

Former Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has urged Saleng to put his frustrations aside and focus on his football.

With his move abroad falling apart and his lack of game time, his career is at risk of stagnating. This situation could also affect his chances of making the Bafana Bafana squad for future tournaments, including the Afcon.

Hugo Broos has previously shown faith in Saleng, but continued absence from competitive football may see him lose his place. To salvage his career, the winger needs to resolve the situation with Pirates and work his way back into the squad.

Pirates had their midweek clash against Golden Arrows postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

As a result, their gap behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns has widened to 12 points, though they still have three games in hand.

The Buccaneers will now shift their focus to their next fixture against Cape Town City. The Citizens defeated Pirates in the first round, making this an opportunity for Jose Riveiro’s side to get revenge.

With a busy schedule ahead, Pirates will need every available player, making Saleng’s situation even more crucial.