R500,000 compared to R70,000! Has Monnapule Saleng's salary just been revealed? Orlando Pirates star's parents and friend break silence on Bafana Bafana winger's 'unhappiness' at Soweto giants amid Kaizer Chiefs rumours

Monnapule Saleng reportedly had a fallout with Orlando Pirates following a reported failed move to Al Ahly, also amid rumours that he was a wanted man in the Middle East.

That saw a frustrated Saleng allegedly boycotting training and when he returned, he was subsequently excluded from matchday squads.

Saleng last featured for Pirates in December 2024 and his childhood friend Boikanyo Maine suggests the wideman is unhappy with his Piurates salary while throwing around some figures.

“If he was not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him,” Maine told Sunday World.

“We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants. It’s unfair, imaging getting R70,000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes while somebody [else] is getting R500,000.”

Saleng's mother Makie Tsoeu, seems to back what Maine said by suggesting the player is not being handsomely remunerated.

“He just wanted the team to pay him what he deserves,” said Makie.

The winger's father Thabo also joined in expressing sadness at his son's situation.

“I’m in pain,” Thabo Tsoeu added.

“He is the one who cares for us at home and seeing his profession in such a state crushes my heart.

“I wish he could tell me what is really bothering him before it’s too late. The problem is the contract. We would want him to stick with Pirates because it is one of the biggest clubs in the country.”

The impasse between Saleng and Pirates has disturbed his season and could also affect his career.

However, Kaizer Chiefs are rumoured to be monitoring the talented player's situation at their arch-rivals.

Saleng started the season on a high and scored five goals while making an assist in 12 appearances across all competitions.

With Pirates having entered a taxing period of their season, it is to be seen if coach Jose Riveiro will start using Saleng to ease the fatigue creeping in.

The 26-year-old was in Bafana Bafana's starting line up for Sunday's African Nations Championship qualifier against Egypt at Free State Stadium.

This could be an opportunity for Saleng to prove a point to Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and show the Spaniard the quality he has been missing.