Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has shared his candid views on the Monnapule Saleng saga that rocked the Soweto Giants this past season, claiming it nearly derailed what could have been a more successful campaign for the team.
Despite finishing as runners-up once again in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership under coach José Riveiro, Pirates had to make do without the services of one of their brightest attacking talents—Monnapule Saleng—since December. The winger, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top offensive players, was absent for a significant portion of the season, sparking speculation and frustration among fans and former players alike.
Silent Rift Behind the Scenes
Though the club never publicly confirmed the reasons behind Saleng’s exclusion, it has been widely believed that a contractual dispute, particularly concerning salary demands, was at the heart of the issue. The lack of transparency surrounding the matter only fueled the controversy, with many left questioning why a fully fit and in-form player was being sidelined at a crucial time in the season.
Lekgwathi, a long-serving captain and stalwart of the club who amassed over 300 appearances for Pirates, believes Saleng’s absence was deeply felt and had a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.
Depth Without Direction
“I think we have depth in the squad,” Lekgwathi told iDiski Times. “In previous seasons, I used to complain that we didn’t have enough players in certain positions. But now you can see there’s healthy competition.”
He cited the club’s strong defensive options as a sign of improved squad depth, mentioning how players like Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi had stepped up, with Olisa Ndah and Innocent Maela also available off the bench. However, the attack—especially the flanks—was a different story.
“The only thing I think almost ruined things was the Saleng matter,” Lekgwathi emphasized. “If we hadn’t had that issue, I think we’d be talking a different story because you’d know we have depth on the left and on the right. Right now, if [Mohau] Nkota isn’t playing, I don’t know who is supposed to be in that position.”
A Tangled Future Amid Transfer Rumours
Adding another twist to the tale, former Pirates coach José Riveiro is expected to take over the reins at Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Interestingly, Saleng’s last appearance for Pirates was in a CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium on December 7, which ended in a goalless draw.
While Riveiro’s reported move to North Africa has no known connection to Saleng’s exclusion—since the issue is believed to have been purely contractual—it has sparked talk of a potential reunion between the coach and the winger in Egypt.
Further fueling speculation is the fact that Saleng, despite his club absence, turned out a standout performance for Bafana Bafana during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier in Bloemfontein in March, indicating his form and fitness were never in doubt.
What Could Have Been For Orlando Pirates
Lekgwathi’s remarks underscore the broader sentiment among many Pirates supporters: the Saleng saga was a missed opportunity. With the right-wing position left in a state of flux and a proven performer unavailable due to off-field issues, Pirates were forced to adapt in ways that may have limited their attacking threat and overall cohesion.
“If Saleng had been available,” Lekgwathi seemed to suggest, “the story of Pirates’ season might have been very different.”
As the off-season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Pirates resolve the Saleng situation—and whether a new chapter for the winger might be written far away from Soweto.
Related article: Orlando Pirates Seek Redemption as Riveiro Era Fades Into Memory
