Shots fired! Orlando Pirates hit back at critics over Monnapule Saleng's situation and address speculation around Patrick Maswanganyi - 'The club does not conduct its business in malls'

Orlando Pirates have denied allegations suggesting that they have turned down multi-million offers for Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Reports surfaced in recent weeks stating that a Portuguese club had placed a bid for Maswanganyi during this transfer window.

Meanwhile, some suggested that Saleng, who has been repeatedly excluded by Jose Riveiro from the team’s recent matchday squads, was denied a chance to join a Gulf Region team. 

Now, concerned Pirates have dismissed those claims regarding their two stars.

"As Orlando Pirates Football Club, we have noted with great concern a growing trend of misinformation circulating on social media and in certain media outlets regarding alleged offers for some of our players. Ordinarily, the Club refrains from engaging with baseless rumours aimed at creating unnecessary sensationalism and clickbait," reads Pirates statement. 

"However, the persistence and escalation of these unsubstantiated claims now compel us to set the record straight. The misinformation began with a fabricated story regarding Monnapule Saleng, alleging that the Club had denied the player a lucrative transfer opportunity to a team in the Middle East. 

"Initially, we chose to disregard this as, yet another false narrative meant to explain the player’s temporary absence from the playing squad. Unfortunately, the story has since gained unwarranted traction, even being picked up by some mainstream media outlets. As a professional organisation, Orlando Pirates Football Club remains committed to conducting our business with integrity and transparency. 

"We urge media outlets and individuals to verify information before publishing, as false reporting not only harms the players and the Club but also diminishes the credibility of the platforms involved. We thank our supporters for their unwavering trust and encourage them to rely on official channels for accurate updates." 

"Orlando Pirates Football Club categorically denies ever receiving any offer from a Middle Eastern club for the services of Monnapule Saleng," Pirates stated. 

"On 13 January 2025, Kickoff.co.za published titled, The Gulf Region team was serious about Saleng, a story claiming that an agent, Rui Frois, met with a “high-ranking” Pirates official to discuss Saleng’s availability. Let it be clear. 

"The Club does not conduct its business in malls. No official from Orlando Pirates Football Club has spoken to Mr. Rui Frois regarding this matter." 

"On 20 January 2025, Briefly News Sports published an article titled, Portuguese Club Eyes Bid for R40 Million-Rated Orlando Pirates Star," said the Buccaneers. 

"Once again, the Club categorically rejects this as sheer gossip. No such offer has been presented to the Club.

"It is deeply troubling that these baseless stories are not only misleading but also serve to disrupt the focus of our players and destabilise the team. This is entirely unacceptable."

Maswanganyi has participated in 22 matches for Pirates this season, playing a significant role in helping Pirates to reach the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

Conversely, Saleng has faced challenges at the Bucs, having only appeared in 13 matches across all competitions this season thus far.

Pirates were set to face off against Royal AM on Thursday, January 23, however, the match has been postponed due to issues affecting the KZN team.

Maswanganyi and Saleng could be included in the matchday squad when the Sea Robbers face Richards Bay FC in a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 encounter on the 26th of this month.