Why Orlando Pirates’ Star Saleng Should Never Join Kaizer Chiefs: Tso Vilakazi’s Bold Warning

Monnapule Saleng has been one of the standout performers for Orlando Pirates, dazzling fans with his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.

Naturally, his name has been linked with several clubs, including archrivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Speculation intensified recently with rumors suggesting that Saleng might have signed a pre-contract agreement with Chiefs.

However, Tso Vilakazi, a well-known voice in South African football circles, has publicly dismissed these rumors and cautioned against Saleng joining Chiefs.

According to Vilakazi, Saleng’s current contract with Pirates was extended by two years, securing his stay until 2027.

Therefore, any pre-contract signing would be illegal and could lead to sanctions against the player and involved clubs.

Vilakazi’s concerns go beyond contractual legality.

He questions whether Saleng’s style and abilities would even flourish at Kaizer Chiefs.

Drawing parallels with other talented players like Gaston Sirino, who thrived at Mamelodi Sundowns but struggled after moving to Chiefs, Vilakazi highlights systemic issues within the Chiefs squad.

He points out that Sirino’s decline mirrors the experiences of other players such as Doli and Billy, who failed to live up to their potential at Chiefs due to lack of adequate support and a cohesive team structure.

Vilakazi argues that Chiefs currently lack a strong core of players to support a star winger like Saleng, which would place undue pressure on him.

This analysis suggests that Saleng might face a similar fate if he were to join Chiefs.

Without a solid midfield and attacking framework, even a player of Saleng’s caliber could struggle to perform at his best.

Vilakazi describes the Chiefs squad as a “scattered puzzle,” lacking the pieces that fit together to create a winning formula.

Such an environment could stifle Saleng’s development and reduce his impact on the pitch.

For a player who has thrived in a more stable and supportive Pirates setup, moving to Chiefs might mean a regression rather than progression.

The rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs adds another layer of complexity.

Transfers between these two giants are always controversial, often stirring passionate reactions from fans.

Vilakazi’s public stance might reflect a broader sentiment among Pirates supporters who do not want to see their star player strengthen their fiercest rivals.

Moreover, Chiefs’ management faces the challenge of building a cohesive squad capable of supporting new signings.

Without addressing these structural weaknesses, adding a star player alone may not yield the desired success.

In summary, Tso Vilakazi’s warning serves as a cautionary tale for both Monnapule Saleng and Kaizer Chiefs.

Despite the allure of a high-profile transfer, the current realities of Chiefs’ squad dynamics suggest that Saleng might not thrive there.

The legal complications surrounding contract extensions further complicate any potential move.

For Saleng, staying at Orlando Pirates where he enjoys stability and support might be the wiser choice.

For Chiefs, the focus should remain on strengthening their squad holistically rather than relying on marquee signings to solve deeper issues.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how these narratives unfold.

Will Saleng remain loyal to Pirates and continue his rise?

Can Chiefs resolve their internal challenges and build a team that truly supports star players?

Football fans eagerly await answers to these questions as South Africa’s top clubs battle for supremacy.