Orlando Pirates could be set to welcome back one of their most exciting talents, with indications that Monnapule Saleng might be given a fresh opportunity to impress under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Saleng, widely regarded as one of the most skilful and dynamic wingers in the country, has been a noticeable absentee from the Pirates setup for several months.
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His last appearance for the Buccaneers came on December 7, in a goalless CAF Champions League draw against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium.
Since then, the 27-year-old has not featured for the Soweto giants, despite being injury-free and still under contract.
His exclusion from matchday squads has left many supporters puzzled, especially after he featured for Bafana Bafana in a CHAN qualifier against Angola in Bloemfontein in early March.
While official communication from the club has been lacking, reports in local football circles suggest that Saleng’s absence may have been due to a contractual dispute.
Now, with the arrival of Ouaddou, who is preparing to take the team to Spain for pre-season, there’s fresh optimism that Saleng could be reintegrated into the squad.
Sources close to the club have hinted that the new coach is keen to assess all available talent before finalising his plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
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“The coach is expected to give everyone a clean slate. The plan is to go to Spain with the strongest possible group, and he (Saleng) is very much in the conversation,” said a Siya source.
Saleng featured in 13 matches across all competitions in the 2024/25 season and he scored five goals and had one assist.
