Orlando Pirates legend reveals deep Saleng concerns

Orlando Pirates legend Edward ‘Magents’ Motale has had his say on the Monnapule Saleng standoff with the Sea Robbers.

Motale raises concerns over Saleng at Orlando Pirates

“I’ve no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally,” Motale told FARPost. “I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng.”

“But I’m happy they have a professional set-up and a coach like Helman Mkhalele who understands this. He understands these things and will know how to deal with Saleng,” he added.

“He’s missed a lot of games in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Derby and the clash against Sundowns. But that’s all in the past. The call-up offers him a chance to start afresh. He revealed what his words to Saleng would be if he were his coach.

“He needs to be told that he’s here; this is the national team. Forget about what is happening around you. Just focus on the game. Play your game. If I was a coach, those are the words I’d tell him. To say we didn’t call you here for the sake of it. We called you because we know what you’re capable of and know you can add value. This is his a healing stage for him,” stated Motale.

“It’s a blessing this call-up; it’s gonna restart him and put him in a place where he can start afresh. It’s gonna help him too much.”
Will the Chiefs slayer return? Image: @orlandopirates / X

Saleng’s future is up for debate

After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he’s unhappy at the club, that will certainly drive his price down. Pirates’ bargaining position is significantly weakened. The player’s reluctance to stay is a big issue but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn’t command a decent fee. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million) especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market. The main question there is; do they want to strengthen a rival? Can Kaizer Chiefs afford him?