Kaizer Chiefs warned against signing Soweto-rivals Orlando Pirates’ Monnapule Saleng - 'He’s going to struggle like Gaston Sirino'

Nasreddine Nabi’s Kaizer Chiefs side may have lifted the Nedbank Cup with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates, but their ninth-place finish in the Premier Soccer League has reignited calls for marquee signings ahead of the 2025-26 season. 

Monnapule Saleng has emerged as a potential target, with rumours suggesting that he’s signed a pre-contract with the Glamour Boys. However, former Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi believes Saleng may not be the right fit for the team.

“Is he (Saleng) that type of a player that can really play for Chiefs, the way they are playing? I don’t think so. An example, look at (Gaston) Sirino, he’s no more the Sirino we knew at (Mamelodi) Sundowns, because of the type of players surrounding him,” said Benedict Vilakazi on Omniaaudioafrica YouTube Channel. 

“What’s happening to Sirino now, is the same thing that happened to Khama Billiat. The same thing that happened to Keagan Dolly and now it’s happening to Sirino, you can’t have Sirino alone and not have other good players surrounding him. 

“Obviously he’s going to have a lot on his shoulders. So he needs support. So even if Saleng goes and plays for Chiefs, he’s going to struggle like Sirino is struggling, because there’s no core at Chiefs that is very strong, that when everyone come in (they fit in) like puzzles. Those puzzles at Chiefs are scattered,” he concluded.

The 27-year-old has not been in the picture at the Buccaneers, having not featured since December last year due to contractual issues. 

With his future uncertain, Saleng will be eager to find a way forward, whether that means staying at Pirates or making a high-profile switch to arch-rivals Chiefs. 

As speculation around Saleng’s future continues, Chiefs’ management must also reflect on the past season and begin planning for the new campaign. 

With pressure mounting from the Amakhosi faithful, all eyes will be on who the Glamour Boys bring in to help turn the tide in the Premier Soccer League.