Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng remains absent from the squad for yet another week, with no official explanation from the club, sparking growing speculation about injury, internal conflict, or a potential transfer.

As Orlando Pirates continue their battle for silverware in the DStv Premiership, the silence surrounding one of their most electric players has become deafening.

Monnapule Saleng, the club’s standout winger and a crucial attacking weapon, remains mysteriously absent from the squad, and fans are growing increasingly anxious as week after week passes with no clear explanation.

Saleng, who dazzled in the 2022–23 season with his blistering pace, pinpoint crosses, and clinical finishing, has been notably missing from the Pirates’ recent matchday lineups.

What began as a brief absence has now stretched into a concerning disappearance from competitive fixtures, prompting speculation about his fitness, relationship with management, or possible transfer interest from other clubs.

Yet, the club has offered little in the way of official communication, and the uncertainty has only fueled rumors.

Coach Jose Riveiro has remained tight-lipped about Saleng’s status, offering vague responses when pressed by the media. “We are managing the squad as needed,” he said in a recent press conference, a response that did little to ease the growing concern among fans and pundits.

For a team vying for a strong finish in both league and cup competitions, not having a player of Saleng’s calibre on the pitch—or at least on the bench—is both puzzling and frustrating.

The Pirates have managed to grind out results in his absence, but there’s no denying the difference Saleng makes when he’s on form. His ability to stretch defenses, create space, and produce moments of brilliance is unmatched in the current squad.

Last season, he registered double-digit goals and assists, quickly becoming one of the most feared wingers in South African football. His link-up play with forwards like Zakhele Lepasa and Thembinkosi Lorch became a key part of Pirates’ attacking identity.

So where is he now? Some insiders suggest he’s nursing an injury, though details remain scarce. Others hint at internal issues—perhaps disagreements over playing time, contract negotiations, or even discipline.

Transfer speculation has also surfaced, with whispers of interest from clubs in North Africa and even Europe. Yet without official confirmation, all of it remains conjecture.

What’s clear is that Pirates are missing a spark. While they still boast a talented squad, the lack of flair and unpredictability on the wings has made their attack more predictable in recent matches.

Supporters, known for their deep emotional investment in the club, have taken to social media to demand answers. Has Saleng fallen out of favor? Is he being protected ahead of a move? Or is it simply a long recovery that the club is choosing not to discuss publicly?

This isn’t the first time Orlando Pirates have faced communication issues regarding player availability. In the past, players like Gabadinho Mhango and Ben Motshwari also experienced prolonged absences that were met with silence, only for later reports to reveal behind-the-scenes tensions.

The club’s policy of keeping internal matters private is understandable, but when a player as influential as Saleng is missing, the demand for transparency becomes unavoidable.

Meanwhile, Saleng himself has remained silent. No interviews, no public statements, and his social media activity has been minimal. For a player who once lit up stadiums with every touch, his absence has cast a noticeable shadow over the team’s campaign.

Orlando Pirates, a club with rich history and high expectations, are currently in the hunt for a top-three league finish and remain active in domestic cup competitions.

Their margin for error is slim, and as the season intensifies, the need for their top performers to be present and firing is greater than ever. Saleng’s return—if and when it happens—could provide the edge they need to finish strong. But until then, the questions will linger.

There’s also the psychological aspect to consider. For teammates and fans alike, uncertainty breeds distraction. Players thrive on chemistry and stability, and the absence of a key figure like Saleng can impact morale and rhythm.

Younger players, though eager to step up, may feel the pressure of filling big shoes. And with supporters now openly calling for clarity, the media scrutiny is only likely to increase.

In South African football, where speculation often fills the void left by silence, the Saleng situation is becoming one of the season’s most talked-about mysteries. The longer it drags on without resolution, the more it risks overshadowing the club’s on-field performances.

For now, Orlando Pirates march on—without their star winger, and without answers. Whether it’s an injury, a fallout, or a quiet exit in the works, one thing is certain: Monnapule Saleng’s absence is no longer just a squad issue. It’s a story that’s impossible to ignore.