Could Monnapule Saleng be the latest star to cross the Soweto divide? That’s the burning question following recent — though unconfirmed — reports linking the Orlando Pirates winger with a surprise move to Kaizer Chiefs. The speculation has sent shockwaves through South African football circles, reigniting the age-old rivalry between the two giants of local football.
At just 27, Saleng has already carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous wide players in the DStv Premiership. His explosive pace, creativity, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a fan favourite at Pirates. However, his extended absence from the pitch over the past few months — despite being injury-free — has puzzled fans and analysts alike. Many believe internal issues, including a possible salary dispute, are behind the winger’s exclusion from the squad, although the club has remained silent on the matter.
As whispers of a possible switch to Naturena gather momentum, one former Buccaneers legend has spoken out, casting doubt over both the likelihood of the move and whether it would even benefit Saleng’s career.
Mysterious Absence Fuels Speculation
Despite no official confirmation from the club, Saleng, 27, has been noticeably absent from Pirates’ matchday squads in recent months, with speculation pointing to a possible salary dispute. His last appearance came on December 7 in a goalless CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium. Surprisingly, despite being injury-free, the electrifying winger was sidelined for the remainder of the season — a decision that baffled many supporters.
Saleng did, however, return to competitive action in March, representing Bafana Bafana in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier in Bloemfontein, where he reportedly delivered a standout performance.
Vilakazi Questions the Fit at Chiefs
Amid the swirling transfer talk linking him to Naturena, former Pirates midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has cast doubt on the move. Speaking on the omniaudioafrica YouTube channel, Vilakazi questioned whether Saleng’s style would align with Chiefs’ current tactical framework.
“Is Saleng really the type of player that suits Chiefs’ playing style? I don’t think so,” Vilakazi said. He drew comparisons to Gaston Sirino’s struggles at Mamelodi Sundowns after losing key support around him. “It’s the same thing that happened to Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly. A player like Sirino needs quality around him, and when that’s missing, their performance drops.”
Challenges Await if Move Materialises
Vilakazi warned that even if the deal materialized, Saleng would likely face similar challenges, highlighting the lack of a solid team structure at Chiefs.
“He’ll have a lot of pressure. He’ll need support. Even if he joins Chiefs, he’s going to face the same difficulties Sirino is facing. There’s no strong foundation or core at Chiefs where players fit together like puzzle pieces. Right now, those pieces are scattered,” Vilakazi added.
While the rumours remain unverified, and Orlando Pirates have remained silent about Saleng’s situation, Vilakazi’s comments highlight the complexity of such a high-profile move between two Soweto giants. For now, Saleng’s future remains uncertain, and fans of both clubs will be watching closely for any developments.
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