Monnapule Saleng’s contract with Orlando Pirates has been extended until 2027, despite ongoing tensions regarding salary disputes and his dissatisfaction with the club, raising questions about his future and potential transfer request.

Orlando Pirates are facing a tense situation with their talented winger Monnapule Saleng, as the club has extended his contract for another two years amid reports of dissatisfaction and mounting tensions.

The extension, which ties Saleng to the club until 2027, comes despite the player’s apparent discontent with his situation at the Buccaneers.

Saleng’s dissatisfaction has been a topic of speculation in recent weeks, with many wondering what prompted this move from the Pirates and what lies ahead for the 26-year-old star.

Saleng joined Orlando Pirates from Free State Stars in 2021, and after spending time on loan at Moroka Swallows, he made a return to the Pirates where he quickly earned his place as a key player in their squad.

His pace, skill, and flair on the wing earned him admiration from both his teammates and fans, and he became a regular fixture in the starting lineup.

However, things have taken a turn recently. Saleng has not featured for the Pirates since December 2024, with the club stating that he was absent due to personal issues.

His lack of involvement has fueled rumors about a possible exit, and now, the extension of his contract has raised more questions than answers.

What makes this situation even more complicated is the revelation that financial disagreements have played a significant role in the growing tension between Saleng and the Pirates.

Reports indicate that Saleng has expressed dissatisfaction with his salary at the club, which is reportedly much lower than that of his teammates.

The winger is believed to be earning around R70,000, a figure that has led to dissatisfaction, especially when compared to the higher salaries earned by other players within the squad.

Saleng’s father, in an interview, revealed that the issue of pay had become a significant point of contention and was one of the key factors contributing to his son’s unhappiness at the club.

Although Saleng’s family has expressed a desire for him to stay with Orlando Pirates due to the club’s prestigious status, they have made it clear that the salary discrepancy needs to be addressed if he is to remain content.

This financial dispute has added a layer of complexity to Saleng’s situation. The tensions surrounding his pay raise concerns about the overall morale within the squad, as salary disparities can often create divides within a team.

It remains to be seen whether the Pirates will take steps to address these concerns in order to retain their star player.

The situation could lead to further complications, including the possibility of Saleng seeking legal recourse if the matter is not resolved to his satisfaction.

Adding to the uncertainty, rumors have circulated that Saleng has considered submitting a transfer request at the end of the current season, with the intention of seeking a move away from Orlando Pirates.

While these rumors have not been confirmed, they have stirred up speculation about the future of the talented winger.

With his contract now extended, the Pirates are under pressure to manage this situation delicately and ensure that Saleng’s talents are not lost due to unresolved issues behind the scenes.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Saleng has maintained a relatively low profile on social media and has been absent from public events involving the club.

The situation has drawn attention from fans and pundits, many of whom have speculated about what Saleng’s future holds.

His absence from the squad and the unclear nature of his personal issues have added to the mystery surrounding his relationship with the club.

With the 2025 season progressing, Saleng’s status with the team has become one of the most talked-about subjects in South African football.

Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, are facing a critical period in their quest for success in the Premier Soccer League.

While the team has continued to perform admirably, the internal dynamics and player morale are crucial factors that could determine their success in the remaining fixtures.

The Pirates’ management will likely have to work quickly to address any internal issues to avoid further disruptions within the team.

With the window for potential transfers approaching, it will be interesting to see if other clubs show interest in Saleng, given his proven talent and the rumors surrounding his dissatisfaction at the Pirates.

The club’s decision to extend Saleng’s contract has brought mixed reactions from the fanbase.

While some fans are hopeful that this move signals the club’s commitment to keeping one of their brightest talents, others are concerned that the tensions between the player and the management may only escalate further.

The uncertainty surrounding Saleng’s future at Orlando Pirates will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.

Looking ahead, the resolution of this issue could have a significant impact on the Pirates’ strategy for the future. If the club can find a way to address the concerns raised by Saleng and his family, they may be able to secure his long-term future at the club.

On the other hand, if the situation remains unresolved, it could lead to a departure that would leave a significant gap in the team’s attacking options.

With many eyes on Saleng’s next move, both the club and its supporters are anxiously awaiting the outcome of this ongoing saga.

As the 2025 season unfolds, one thing is certain: Monnapule Saleng’s future at Orlando Pirates will continue to dominate the headlines, and the next chapter of his career could be just around the corner.