Orlando Pirates Football Club has taken a firm stance against the growing trend of misinformation surrounding two of their key players, Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi. The club recently released a statement to address persistent rumours regarding alleged transfer offers for the duo, which have been making rounds on social media and some media platforms.
False Claims About Monnapule Saleng
The first rumour to gain traction claimed that Orlando Pirates blocked Saleng from a lucrative move to a club in the Middle East. Despite the club initially ignoring these reports, the misinformation persisted and was even amplified by some mainstream outlets.
The club categorically denied any truth to these claims, stating that no offer had been received from a Middle Eastern club for Saleng’s services. They specifically referenced a KickOff article dated 13 January 2025, titled The Gulf Region Team Was Serious About Saleng, which alleged that an agent, Rui Frois, met with a high-ranking Pirates official in a public space to discuss Saleng’s transfer.
Orlando Pirates firmly debunked this, highlighting that the club does not conduct business in such an unprofessional manner and has had no discussions with Mr. Frois regarding Saleng.
Rumours Around Patrick Maswanganyi
Similarly, an article published by Briefly News on 20 January 2025, titled Portuguese Club Eyes Bid for R40 Million-Rated Orlando Pirates Star, alleged that Patrick Maswanganyi was the target of an overseas transfer. The club dismissed these claims as nothing more than sensationalist gossip, affirming that no such offer had been made.
Impact of False Reporting
In their statement, the club expressed concern over how these fabricated stories disrupt players’ focus and destabilise the team’s environment. The spreading of such misinformation, they stressed, is entirely unacceptable.
“As a professional organisation, Orlando Pirates Football Club remains committed to conducting our business with integrity and transparency,” the statement read. The club urged media platforms and individuals to verify information before publication, emphasising the harm caused by false reporting to players, the club, and the credibility of the media itself.
A Message to Supporters
Orlando Pirates extended their gratitude to their loyal supporters for their trust and encouraged them to rely on official club channels for accurate updates. The club reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency while protecting the well-being of its players.
With this clarification, the Buccaneers have set the record straight, underlining their focus on integrity and professionalism as they continue their footballing journey.
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