Another Twist In Orlando Pirates And Monnapule Saleng Saga

Monnapule Saleng and Orlando Pirates’ saga takes another twist as the player’s agency P Management Sports and former now-defunct Moroka Swallows owner David Mogashoa comes to the club’s defence.

Saleng last featured for the Buccaneers December last year during their CAF Champions League Group C 0-0 stalemate against Al Ahly SC at Orlando Stadium.

His absence has left many in the football fraternity in the country with more questions than answers, leading to speculations and rumours arising, which the club quickly demolished.

Last month, the club released refuting claims that the South African they have turned down a lucrative offer from the Gulf region for the player and, in turn, denied the player an opportunity to earn a substantial amount of money.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club categorically denies ever receiving any offer from a Middle Eastern club for the services of Monnapule Saleng,” part of the statement read.

However, despite the club’s statement last month, one of the leading journalists in African football fraternity, Micky Jnr released a statement on his social media platforms that left the South African football fraternity questioning the club’s initial statement.

In his statement, Micky mentioned how unhappy the 26-year-old South African international is at the club due to the club making empty promises when it comes to increasing his salary which they have been promising since his breakout season(2022-2023).

“They have been promising him an increase on his salary after his first season with the team where he helped them win the MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup,” Micky stated.

The statement further went in to mention that he is on the same salary as the development players at the club, and his agency seems to be benefitting from his situation as they are not doing anything to help him.

“Apparently, the money Saleng is getting is like a player who just got promoted from the DDC to the first team,” Micky continued.

“Secondly, Saleng’s management seems like it’s benefiting from this whole thing because they are not doing anything to help him.”

Saleng’s agency P Management and former Swallows boss Mogashoa refute the statement made by Micky.

“Journalism without FACTS is a threat to football,” P Management Sports replied.

While Mogashoa, who signed for a season-long loan during the 2021-2022 season, went as far as calling Micky’s statement fake.

“I can tell you for free that when Saleng came to Swallows on Loan from Pirates, it was on a very good salary. And that was no DDC salary,” Mogashoa replied to Micky’s post on X.

“The salary determination was not by Swallows but his Contract with Pirates.

“So.. this Story will be regarded as fake news…!”

Micky’s statement closed by pointing out how Saleng went to Pirates’ management and asked to leave the club this past January, which was met with a rejection as he still has two years left on his current contract which also has an option for further two years.

“Saleng recently went to the management to ask them to release him during the January transfer window, but they refused,” he concluded.

“Pirates made it clear, they will release him after his contract ends in 2027 because there was an option to extend for two more years.”

The Free State province born attacker is believed to be training with the club’s reserve team as his unexplained exclusion from the first team continues.