Orlando Pirates have extended Monnapule Saleng’s contract until 2027 despite growing tensions and dissatisfaction over salary disparities, raising questions about his future and the club’s handling of internal issues.

Orlando Pirates have made a surprising move by extending Monnapule Saleng’s contract, locking him in until 2027 despite rising tensions surrounding his future at the club.

The 26-year-old winger has been at the center of increasing speculation about his dissatisfaction with the club, prompting questions about the rationale behind the extension and what it means for both Saleng and the Pirates moving forward.

Saleng’s journey at Orlando Pirates began in the 2021-2022 season when he made the switch from Ea Lla Koto.

Initially, his spell with the Pirates was marked by impressive performances, with Saleng becoming an immediate fan favorite due to his skill, speed, and ability to create scoring opportunities.

His contributions on the field were vital to the Pirates’ aspirations, and he quickly became one of the more reliable players in the squad.

However, things began to shift in late 2024, when Saleng found himself absent from the squad for an extended period.

The official explanation from Orlando Pirates was that Saleng was dealing with “personal issues,” but this lack of involvement led to increasing questions regarding his relationship with the club.

Speculation began to swirl about potential issues between Saleng and management, with reports suggesting that the winger was unhappy with his situation at the Pirates, particularly with regard to his salary and the terms of his contract.

Saleng’s family, particularly his father, has made it clear that the financial disparity within the club is a significant concern. While Saleng earns a reported R70,000 per month, other players in the squad are allegedly earning much higher salaries.

This salary gap has caused frustration within the Saleng camp, as his family believes that the winger’s talents are not being adequately compensated.

While Saleng’s father has stated that they would like him to remain with Orlando Pirates because of the club’s prestigious reputation, they have also stressed the importance of fair compensation.

This frustration, compounded by Saleng’s absence from the field, led to rumors that the winger was considering a transfer request at the end of the season.

There was talk that Saleng was unhappy enough to leave the Pirates in search of greener pastures, with some speculating that he was already looking for a move to other clubs within the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Yet, despite all of this, the Pirates have taken the unexpected step of extending Saleng’s contract until 2027.

The club’s decision to extend Saleng’s contract has raised eyebrows across the football community.

On the one hand, it shows a commitment to keeping a talented player for the long term, but on the other hand, it has led to questions about how the extension fits with Saleng’s reported unhappiness and whether it could cause further friction between him and the management team.

Many are left wondering why the Pirates would make such a bold move given the growing tensions, and what it means for Saleng’s future with the club.

The timing of the extension is also significant. Saleng’s future at the club had been uncertain for months, with many believing that a move away from the Pirates was imminent.

The extension, however, signals the club’s intention to retain the winger, but it remains unclear whether this will be enough to quell the unrest surrounding his situation.

The Pirates may be hoping that the added security of a long-term contract will help Saleng focus on his performances on the field, but the situation remains delicate, and the financial issues could continue to be a source of tension.

For fans, the situation is complicated. Many have expressed disappointment over the salary disputes, as it raises questions about how the club values its players and whether the team’s internal issues will affect their chances of success.

The fans’ attachment to Saleng has been strong, and they will undoubtedly be keen to see how this situation plays out.

The extension has certainly sparked mixed reactions, with some supporters praising the club for securing their star player, while others feel that the move is more about securing assets than resolving the underlying issues.

Saleng’s future now hinges on whether the Pirates can address his concerns regarding pay and ensure that he feels valued within the squad. If these issues are left unresolved, the extension may only serve to prolong the inevitable departure of one of their most talented players.

If, however, the club can find a way to smooth over the tensions and make Saleng feel that he is being fairly compensated for his efforts, then the extension could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career at Orlando Pirates.

Looking ahead, the Pirates face a critical period. The club must focus on its upcoming fixtures, but internal issues like this can have a significant impact on team morale.

The uncertainty surrounding Saleng’s future will undoubtedly continue to dominate the headlines, and it will be interesting to see how both the player and the club handle the situation in the coming months.

Should the relationship deteriorate further, the Pirates may face the difficult task of replacing one of their most skilled players, which could prove challenging given the club’s high expectations and the competitiveness of the PSL.

In conclusion, Orlando Pirates’ decision to extend Monnapule Saleng’s contract until 2027 is a move that has caught many by surprise.

While it signals the club’s desire to keep a key player, it also raises several questions about how the tensions between Saleng and the club will be resolved.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Saleng and the Pirates to see how they navigate these complex challenges and whether they can turn the page to a more harmonious chapter in their relationship.