Monnapule Saleng’s Orlando Pirates Future in Doubt as Contract Standoff Casts a Shadow
Monnapule Saleng’s fourth season at Orlando Pirates is fast becoming one of the most disappointing chapters in his professional career. Once a fan favourite and one of the most dynamic attackers in South African football, the 27-year-old now finds himself sidelined, locked in contractual uncertainty, and seemingly drifting further away from the spotlight that once illuminated his rapid rise.
After starting the 2024/25 campaign with so much promise — contributing five goals and one assist in just 13 appearances — Saleng’s season derailed when a contractual dispute with Pirates emerged. Since then, he has not made a single appearance for the club, with his last outing coming on December 7, 2024, in a goalless draw against Al Ahly. Since that day, the Buccaneers have played 27 games without him, and he is not expected to feature in any of the remaining fixtures, including the high-profile Nedbank Cup final.
The Contract Dispute at the Heart of Saleng’s Absence
The core issue lies in unresolved contract terms. Reports suggest Saleng feels underpaid, allegedly earning R70,000 per month, which he reportedly believes does not reflect his contribution or market value. The situation is further complicated by conflicting claims — some say he is prepared to walk away for free and possibly join arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, while others state Pirates have exercised a two-year option on his current deal, binding him to the club.
Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain: the current impasse has significantly impacted Saleng’s career trajectory. From being a central figure in Pirates’ attack to now being completely frozen out, the Angola-born midfielder is losing valuable match fitness, form, and ultimately, transfer value.
A Stark Decline After a Bright Start
Saleng’s drop-off is all the more tragic considering how brightly his Pirates career began. In the 2022/23 season, after returning from a loan spell at Moroka Swallows, he announced himself with a stellar campaign — 26 goal contributions — and played decisive roles in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals, scoring and assisting in the respective title matches under coach Jose Riveiro.
He followed that up with another solid season, registering 10 combined goals and assists in 2023/24, which even sparked interest from abroad, with UAE club Al Nasr reportedly expressing interest. But as of now, all that momentum has come to a halt.
National Team Hope Not Enough
The only flicker of competitive action Saleng has seen this year was in CHAN qualifiers, where he played against Egypt in a 1-1 home draw. However, one international appearance in over five months is hardly enough to maintain his fitness and form, let alone keep his name relevant in a highly competitive market.
As Pirates prepare for the final stretch of their season, Saleng is left to watch from the sidelines — a painful reality for a player once tipped to become a Bucs legend.
What’s Next for Saleng?
If the situation remains unresolved, Saleng risks not only missing the rest of this season but also starting the next one on the fringes. Whether a transfer materialises — locally to Chiefs or internationally — may hinge on whether he can negotiate a release or if Pirates stick firmly to their contractual rights.
Whatever happens, his future now requires urgent attention. Without clarity, the attacking midfielder’s market value and reputation will continue to deteriorate — a sad outcome for a player once seen as a symbol of Pirates’ attacking flair.
