Orlando Pirates could still have a challenge with keeping Monnapule Saleng, after they reportedly exercised a two-year option on his contract.
Saleng has been away from Pirates for a few months, with his last official appearance recorded in early December.
The 26-year-old has a legal dispute with Pirates, according to his representatives, who revealed the reasons behind his disappearance following intense media speculation.
The matter appeared to be more serious after Saleng was included in the Bafana Bafana CHAN squad, in spite of not having game-time.
READ: Saleng's Pirates Future: A Decision Made Long Ago
However, after Saleng was released from the squad, reports suggests that the Soweto giants have exercised a two-year option on the Bloemhof native attacker's contract.
According to experienced agent Gary Cassisa, when a club has exercised an option on a player's contract, there's nothing much he can do, if he's not happy with his salary offer agreed upon at the initial stages of the deal.
"It's not just for junior players, I've seen it with senior players, they've signed these five year contracts (three-year with a two-year option) and all of a sudden the guy makes the national team and he's not earning great money and the agent goes to try negotiate for more money based on his stats," Cassisa said on Mike Morton Talks Football YouTube Channel.
READ: Pirates Eye Succession Plan Amid Saleng's Absence?
"And the club doesn't want to pay these market-related figures because he's coming from such a low base line, in terms what he's committed.
"Unfortunately, it's contractual, there is not much you can do, you're pretty much going with your hands open to the clubs begging to give an athlete an increase. Some clubs are pretty good, they will reward the players but there are some who will take the advantage and not wanna pay more. You can be stuck in that terrible contract," Cassisa said.
If Pirates and Saleng's representatives did not solve their differences, the Buccaneers could be retaining an unhappy player, unless they are looking to sell him during the off-season transfer window.
