Monnapule Saleng, the talented 26-year-old winger for Orlando Pirates, has been notably absent from the team’s line-up since December 2024. This long absence, now stretching for months, has sparked speculation over the reasons behind his exclusion, with recent revelations pointing to a simmering dispute regarding his salary at the club.
Discontent Over Pay
Saleng’s close circle, including his childhood friend Boikanyo Maine, has spoken out about the player’s frustrations. Maine was quoted expressing how Saleng is upset about the wage disparity at Pirates. “Imagine getting R70,000 while your contributions to the team speak volumes, and someone else is earning R500,000,” Maine told Sunday World. These staggering figures shed light on Saleng’s unhappiness with his pay, considering his crucial role in the team.
Saleng’s mother, Makie Tsoeu, echoed these sentiments, asserting that her son simply wants to be compensated fairly for his efforts. “He just wanted the team to pay him what he deserves,” she remarked. Saleng’s father, Thabo Tsoeu, also expressed his concern, highlighting the emotional toll the situation is taking on the family, especially as Monnapule is the primary breadwinner.
The Fallout and His Absence
The saga started after a failed move to Al Ahly, which left Saleng frustrated and disillusioned. This frustration reportedly led to him boycotting training, and as a result, he was excluded from matchday squads. Saleng’s last appearance for the club was on December 7, 2024, in a CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly, a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium.
Saleng has been absent from the Pirates squad since then, with the club stating he has been missing for “undisclosed personal reasons.” However, insiders suggest the issues with his contract and salary are at the heart of his absence, causing significant tension between the player and the club management.
Monnapule Saleng’s Plans for the Future
According to Phakaaathi, Saleng is unhappy with the treatment he has received from Orlando Pirates and is planning to submit a transfer request at the end of the season. The source revealed that Saleng feels his contributions to the team are undervalued, especially considering his consistent performance earlier in the season before the ongoing issues arose.
Despite his lack of game time, Saleng was called up for the CHAN qualifier against Egypt and even started in the 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium on March 9, 2025. His inclusion in the national team only adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his future at Pirates.
Impact on Career and Rumours of a Move
The impasse between Saleng and Pirates could have serious implications for his career. While his future at the Soweto giants remains uncertain, rumours have surfaced suggesting that Kaizer Chiefs are keeping an eye on the situation. If the winger’s unhappiness continues, he could be on the move, and Chiefs may seize the opportunity to acquire the talented player from their arch-rivals.
Saleng’s future at Pirates remains unclear, and his frustrations with the club’s management are evident. However, his strong performance for Bafana Bafana may provide him with the platform to demonstrate his worth to the Pirates’ hierarchy and potentially resolve the standoff.
Also Read: Where is Monnapule Saleng? The Mystery Surrounding His Absence
Saleng’s dispute with Orlando Pirates, particularly over salary issues, has caused a significant rift between the player and the club. With no signs of resolution, his absence could persist, and the ongoing tension might affect not just his career at Pirates but also his future in South African football. As the situation continues to unfold, the question remains whether Pirates will make the necessary adjustments to address Saleng’s concerns, or whether the player will move on to new opportunities, possibly across the city to Kaizer Chiefs.
