With the curtain officially drawn on the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign, the focus at Orlando Pirates has swiftly shifted to the future.
Player movement is already underway at the Soweto giants, with the club confirming several high-profile departures in recent days as they begin reshaping the squad for the new season.
Read: Massive Twist As Cape Town Spurs Head To Court, Again
Among those who have bid farewell are veteran defender Innocent Maela, midfield anchor Miguel Timm, full-back Paseka Mako, and versatile right-back Thabiso Monyane.
But while those exits have provided a glimpse into the direction the Buccaneers may be heading, the club’s most pressing and potentially divisive decision concerns winger Monnapule Saleng – a player whose future remains clouded in uncertainty. There have even been rumours linking Saleng to Kaizer Chiefs.
A Star in Limbo
The 27-year-old winger, widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Mzansi, was noticeably absent from Pirates’ matchday squads for most of the recently concluded season.
His last appearance for the Buccaneers dates back to December 7, in a CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly.
Saleng’s prolonged absence raised eyebrows, with speculation swirling around a reported contractual dispute between the player and the club – a claim neither Saleng nor Pirates have confirmed.
What is clear, however, is that his omission was not injury-related, as the player was fit enough to turn out for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier in March, where he impressed during the fixture held in Bloemfontein.
His performance at national level was a reminder of the quality he brings – pace, flair, and a lethal left foot that have made him a nightmare for defenders and a fan favourite since his breakthrough.
Uncertain Talks, Lingering Hope
Now, with Pirates undertaking a major overhaul, sources close to the club suggest that Saleng’s situation is under active review.
According to an insider familiar with the discussions, his future could hinge on whether both parties are able to resolve the issues that derailed his 2024/25 campaign.
“The club is busy with preparations for next season, and you can expect more players to be allowed to move on to make space for new signings. He (Saleng) is one of the players the club is currently busy with regarding his future. But from what I understand, there is a slight chance for him to stay – if the parties manage to sort out their differences. If not, then anything could happen. At the end of the day, he needs to get back on the field and play. The club loves the boy, and he loves the club – it’s just that there were issues that needed to be sorted out, which affected his progress this season,” said the source.
The revelation offers a glimmer of hope to Pirates supporters who would be disheartened to see such a key talent depart, especially with some reports linking him with a Chiefs move.
Read – Lekgwathi: The 3 Potential New Pirates Captains
Yet, the tone of the comments also hints at a potential parting of ways should negotiations stall.
That said, the reality is that top players like Saleng won’t be short of options should Pirates opt to cut ties.
