JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 07: Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates during the CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly SC at Orlando Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Du Toit reported how the Egyptian giants made a formal approach to the Soweto club for the talented winger, that Pirates did not reject the offer and even organised a visa for Saleng to travel to Egypt.
The 26-year-old attacker was reportedly pleased with the opportunity, as the deal promised better financial rewards and a chance to elevate his career at one of Africa's most prestigious clubs.
Pirates, when allowing negotiations for one of their key players at the time, remained confident in their upcoming talent, such as Relebohile Mofokeng to continue starring for the club.
Everything appeared to be on track for the potential transfer until Al Ahly failed to get a transfer fee for Percy Tau, because according to SoccerBeat, the Egyptian's intended for Saleng to be Tau's successor.
After Tau's eventual move to Qatar SC, the urgency to sign Saleng diminished, effectively cooling the deal.
However, Siya sources close to Bucs have indicated that Saleng's disappointment of missing out on an Ahly deal didn't significantly unsettle the attacking player at Pirates.
"The Al Ahly offer was handled internally by the club and everything was in order from Pirates' point of view but Saleng could not leave if Al Ahly were not buying him. So since Al Ahly (eventually) could not buy him then he remained at the club and that did not affect him at all. He is okay at the club. He knows there is competition among the players and he is working hard at training. He is not training with the DDC. He is training with the first team and any time they need him they will call him into the top 20, the squad or even the first eleven. You know he is not the only one who is not playing. There are several players who are training with the team and waiting for their turn to play. So, the failed move to Egypt has nothing to do with him not playing and it didn't affect him at all," the Siya source revealed.
On SoccerBeat, Du Toit also noted how Pirates remain supportive of the Bloemhof-born star, despite reports of Saleng missing an afternoon training session ahead of their game against AmaZulu FC in October 2024.
Rather than labelling him a problem player, Bucs have allowed the attacker space to recover from the Al Ahly situation, showing faith in his talent and potential.
Saleng's future has been a hot topic in South African football lately, and on Wednesday, sports journalist Robert Marawa reported that the Pirates player is "unhappy" with his contract situation and "treatment".
?? Chap is unhappy with treatment and contractual undertakings that are not met. There's been a serious push-back and no end in sight. It's an ongoing story with many levels and very personal issues that need to be addressed. ??
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) February 19, 2025
Despite these reports, a second insider close to Pirates, spoke to Soccer Laduma about how the club has no current plans to sell Saleng and how he is motivated to play for the Soweto team.
READ: Another Red Card! Downs Coach Comments On Matthews Sending Off
"You know he still has a contract with the team and they still value him and he still wants to play for the club. So, for now there are no plans to release him or sell him just for the sake of selling him. He is a Pirates player and he is training with the team. As soon as the technical team feels they need him they will use him, as he is their player," the second insider stated.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment on the situation but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
It remains to be seen if Al Ahly might go back in for Saleng in future if circumstances change for the CAF Champions League holders.
