Orlando Pirates change their minds on future of superstar? 

Orlando Pirates were believed to be ready to offload one their key players, during the January transfer window. 

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In the end, they sold Thembinkosi Lorch to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, with Monnapule Saleng staying put after initial exit rumours. 

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Saleng was arguably the in form player in the country last season, helping Pirates to two trophies. The left-footed wizard played an integral role in Pirates victories in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. Saleng’s impact last season may have caught many by surprise, having been on loan during the previous. Coach Jose Riveiro showed belief in the player who ended up repaying him. He has not enjoyed the same faith this season, however, as he has struggled for form. 

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It was still a shock, however, when Saleng was rumoured to be on his way out of Pirates in January. It was believed that Pirates were looking to loan him out for the rest of the season for game time. But now, according to the latest report from Soccer-Laduma, they Buccaneers have made a U-turn on a possible exit. 

Saleng set to stay at Pirates?

“Even though Saleng is one of the players that the team was planning to loan out or even sell but now they have agreed on a new deal. His current contract is expiring this year. So they can’t afford to let him go either on a free or on the cheap. So, this new contract will help the team benefit the player if it happens, that he moves from another club whether locally or to Europe. This is a good move mainly for the team. This is to show that they still believe and hope he can rediscover his form. Even when they wanted to loan him it’s because they still believed in him and this new contract will give him the chance also to bounce back and reclaim his place in the team”.

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The source went to reveal that Saleng is set for a new two-year deal at Pirates

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“The new two-year deal is as good as done because all the parties are happy with the details and that’s why they have agreed on it as it stands,” Said the source to the same publication.

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With the departure of Lorch, Pirates fans will be hoping to see Saleng return to for,. There will arguably be no better game to do so, than against Sundowns first up this weekend.