The completion of Orlando Pirates’ 2024/25 fixtures has come with a feeling of reprieve for Monnapule Saleng as he looks ahead for a fresh start in the new campaign.
Saleng’s fourth season since he signed for Pirates has turned into complexity due to contractual differences with his employer.
READ | Pirates end season with a point at Orlando
What has been the issue at hand beyond what he is earning is whether his contract is up at the end of June or will carry validity into next season.
It gets even more interesting with whispers suggesting Saleng has already terms with Kaizer Chiefs.
Those that have been his handlers have somehow withdrawn, raising further questions about this issue, which has contributed to Saleng having his worst season at the Soweto giants.
He had 26 goal contributions in his first season playing for Pirates after returning from his loan at Moroka Swallows.
In that 2022/23 season, which was Jose Riveiro's first at the club, he scored the winner in the MTN8 final and then provided an assist in the Nedbank Cup decider.
For the 2023/24 campaign, it was 10 goals/assists, keeping him amongst the key players at the club amid interest from UAE club Al Nasr.
Then, what started out with so much promise this season with five goals (plus one assist) in 13 appearances then turned into torture.
The 27-year-old has now not played competitive club football since he got a run against Al Ahly on December 7, 2024.
His game-time loss since then has been 33 matches.
Had there been no issues, Saleng would have reached 100 appearances for The Buccaneers and taken his goal contribution to over 50.
The winger holds an impressive average of delivering a goal or an assist with every 1,67 games that he has played for Pirates.
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However, with what has happened, the subsequent effect has been that his value has taken a drop as indicated by Transfermarkt.
Saleng’s only competitive appearance was in the CHAN qualifiers home leg match against Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw on March 2.
