The Monnapule Saleng saga has been drawn out for far too long at Orlando Pirates.

For whatever reason (there have been many speculated.

, the 26-year-old winger has been a bizarre absentee from the Pirates lineup going on three months, and last week it emerged that it may be due to a failed move abroad and unhappiness over his wages at the club.

Whether that is true or not has not been confirmed by the club itself.

After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng opted not to attend training, which prompted his exclusion from the side since.

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Last in action for Orlando Pirates in Caf Champions League

Saleng was last in action for Pirates on December 7 when they hosted Al Ahly in a Caf Champions League match at Orlando Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.

Saleng, however, was selected for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (Chan.

qualifier in Bloemfontein last week and, by all accounts, delivered a top performance.

The fact that Saleng did not miss a step for Bafana showed that there was certainly no injury cloud hanging over his head, and that he has continued his training to keep his fitness levels up.

According to a FARPost article last week, Pirates have extended Saleng’s contract at the club for another two years. Saleng’s contract was set to expire in June, and therefore the timing of the issue made sense after he initially signed a three-year deal when he first joined the side.

It’s come to a point now. If Saleng is staying at the club, he simply needs to play. Pirates take on Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town in a Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday evening, and one would hope that Saleng makes a way-overdue return.