ORLANDO PIRATES SALENG AGENCY & DAVID MOGASHOA DISMISS RECENT “NEWS” BUT…
Monnapule Saleng, a standout talent for Orlando Pirates, has been the subject of intense speculation since he was last seen playing in December 2024.
His absence from the field has raised concerns among fans, with many wondering about the reasons behind his sidelining and whether he will ever return to the pitch.
The situation has generated a lot of media attention, leading to rumors and conflicting reports about his future with the club.
His agency, P Management Sports, and former Swallows FC chairman, David Mogashoa, have both issued statements attempting to clarify the situation, but the full details remain shrouded in mystery.
Saleng, known for his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, quickly became one of the most exciting young players in South African football.
After joining Orlando Pirates in 2021, he made an immediate impact, drawing praise from coaches and fans alike for his dynamic performances.
His presence in the Pirates’ attack was seen as key to the team’s offensive strategy, and his absence has left a noticeable void.
Since his last appearance in a CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly in December 2024, speculation has run rampant about why he has not been included in any subsequent matchday squads.
Initially, there was little information regarding the reasons for his absence, and this lack of clarity only fueled rumors.
Some suggested that Saleng had fallen out of favor with the club’s management or coaching staff, while others speculated that there were personal or health issues at play.
With no official statement from the club or the player, the media began to circulate various theories, some of which were less than flattering.
In an effort to address the growing speculation, Saleng’s agency, P Management Sports, issued an official statement on February 23, 2025.
In the statement, the agency acknowledged the rumors surrounding Saleng’s absence but emphasized that the matter was of a private and confidential nature.
They made it clear that their silence up to that point should not be taken as an endorsement of the negative narratives that were circulating in the media.
The agency clarified that the issue at hand was being dealt with through proper legal and professional channels, and they expressed their commitment to resolving the situation in the best interests of the player and the club.
They also refrained from making any further public comments, choosing instead to respect the privacy of all parties involved.
Despite the agency’s efforts to address the situation, the lack of specific details has continued to fuel media speculation. One of the most prominent rumors suggested that Saleng was unhappy with his salary at Orlando Pirates.
According to the rumor, Saleng was allegedly receiving a wage comparable to that of a DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) player, which caused frustration and tension between the player and the club.
This rumor was particularly damaging, as it implied that Orlando Pirates had failed to meet the financial expectations set during Saleng’s transfer from Swallows FC.
David Mogashoa, the former chairman of Swallows FC, swiftly dismissed these claims. In an official statement, Mogashoa described the rumors about Saleng’s salary as “fake news.”
He clarified that Swallows FC had no influence over the financial terms of Saleng’s contract at Orlando Pirates and that the salary he received was entirely determined by Pirates.
Mogashoa expressed his disappointment over the spread of false information, reiterating that these claims had no basis in fact.
His intervention was an attempt to set the record straight and ensure that the narrative surrounding Saleng’s situation was not clouded by misinformation.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ head coach, Jose Riveiro, has consistently refrained from offering any direct commentary on Saleng’s situation.
When asked about the player’s absence, Riveiro has repeatedly stated that he cannot discuss “health issues” publicly, maintaining that he is unable to provide any details about Saleng’s status.
This stance has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation, with many fans and journalists left frustrated by the lack of transparency from both the club and the coaching staff.
Saleng’s absence has left Pirates fans deeply concerned, as the winger was considered one of the most exciting prospects in the team.
His pace, creativity, and ability to score goals made him an integral part of the squad, and his sudden disappearance from the starting lineup has raised questions about his future at the club.
Supporters have been vocal on social media, with some even creating banners and posting messages expressing their desire for clarity.
The hashtag #WhereIsSaleng has trended on multiple occasions, with fans demanding that the club provide more information about the player’s situation.
Media outlets have also weighed in, exploring various possibilities for Saleng’s absence.
Some have suggested that there may have been a fallout between Saleng and the club’s management, citing previous reports of player discontent.
Others have speculated that Saleng might be dealing with personal or health issues that are preventing him from playing.
However, without any official confirmation, these remain only theories, and the true reasons behind his absence remain unknown.
One possibility that has been discussed is that Saleng could be dealing with a significant injury or medical issue that the club is choosing not to disclose publicly.
Injuries in football are often handled with a degree of secrecy, especially if they are expected to keep a player out for an extended period.
If this is the case, it would explain his exclusion from the squad, although it has yet to be confirmed by the club.
Another possibility is that the situation involves an internal dispute within the club.
While there have been no official reports of such a dispute, it is not uncommon for players and clubs to experience tension over contract negotiations, playing time, or other professional matters.
If there is an unresolved issue between Saleng and the club, it could explain his absence from the squad.
Despite the uncertainty, there are still those who hold out hope for Saleng’s return.
His talent is undeniable, and many believe that he can still make a significant impact at Orlando Pirates if the situation is resolved.
His quick feet, sharp mind, and knack for scoring goals make him a valuable asset for any team, and Pirates would be wise to reintegrate him into the squad if the issues surrounding his absence are addressed.
For now, the question remains: Will Monnapule Saleng return to Orlando Pirates? Fans and media alike are waiting for answers, hoping that the club and the player’s agency will provide more clarity in the near future.
The uncertainty surrounding his future is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the world of professional football, where players and clubs alike must navigate a complex landscape of contracts, expectations, and public scrutiny.
Until then, the fans will continue to wonder about the fate of one of South Africa’s brightest footballing talents.
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