Orlando Pirates get big Saleng boost, but…
Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
Orlando Pirates fans might be encouraged by the latest news emerging about star winger Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng started 2024-2025 with a bang
Monnapule Saleng showed us glimpses of his 2022-2023 self when he scored five goals in his first 13 appearances of the campaign. However, that came to an abrupt end when he was frozen out of the side. His last appearance for the club was in December 2024 against Al Ahly in a Champions League group match. However, the mercurial winger is reportedly back in training after a long standoff and exile. He didn’t travel to Algeria for Pirates’ 1-0 win at MC Alger.
“Even though the coach (Jose Riveiro) was excited to have his star player back, he didn’t feel that he was ready for this trip to Algeria. I’m sure you’ll see him in the coming games, but he’s not going to play against MC Alger on Tuesday,” a club insider told The Citizen.
Is Sundowns an option for Saleng?
Pirates’ bargaining position is significantly weakened because of the player’s reluctance to stay, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region. There’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn’t command a decent fee. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million), especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market. The main question there is: do they want to strengthen a rival?
Click for three potential stars to REPLACE Saleng
Nkota vanquished Alger to give Orlando Pirates a critical advantage
Mohau Nkota’s 65th-minute strike was enough to give Pirates a critical 1-0 lead in their two-legged Caf Champions League quarter-final against MC Alger. Nkota seems to keep his best for the continental nights, having supplied a pair of assists in a match against Stade d’Abidjan earlier in the competition. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a PSL clash with Polokwane on Sunday, 06 April at 15:00. The second leg against MC Alger Wednesday the 9th at 18:00.
Pirates starting XI vs Alger: Chaine; Xoki, Sibisi, Mbokazi; Van Rooyen, Mbatha, Makhaula, Hotto; Dlamini, Makgopa; Mofokeng.
Subs used: Nkota, Mosele, Shandu, Ndlondlo, Mabasa.
How highly do you rate Nkota?
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