Orlando Pirates superstar to hand in transfer request?

Orlando Pirates are already planning for the next season, with both incomings and outgoings in focus.

Pirates made a number of signings during the off-season, as well as the January transfer window. 

They signed  Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy, Siphelo Baloni from All Stars FC and Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants. They were joined by Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Patrick Maswanganyi. Then in January, Pirates added the duo of Thabiso Lebitso and Thalenthe Mbatha. In January, stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch and Bienvenu Eva Nga both left the club for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United respectfully. 

Pirates set to refresh squad

Those players are expected to be followed out of the exit door by a few more, in the coming window. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Souaibou Marou, Sandile Mthethwa, among those touted for an exit. Another name that could enter that list soon is goalkeeper Richard Ofori. The Ghanaian international has been at least third choice for the past two seasons at Pirates. 

Another player who was even expected to leave on loan at the start of this season is Azola Matrose. The young midfielder enjoyed a fruitful loan at Chippa last season, with others expecting him to go on another loan spell. But to the surprise of many, he stayed at Pirates with the promise of fighting for his place. 

One player who could be a shock exit is Monnapule Saleng. The left-footed wizard was a revelation for Pirates last season but has since fallen out of favour at the club this term. Now according to The Citizen, that could lead to him asking to leave the club. 

Saleng to ask for transfer?

“I think the failed moves at the end of last season affected Monnapule (Saleng) somehow. He was never the same player after that. But he is over that right now and you can see whenever he comes in that he is more focused right now. But it looks like the coach wants to turn him into an impact player and he is not happy with that hence he will ask the club (Pirates) to let him go and play somewhere else,”. Said the source to the same publication. 

Saleng was also rumoured to be on the loan list for Pirates in the January window. He has since knuckled down and contributed strongly to the side. It seems, however, that he is not satisfied by just that and wants be a regular again, elsewhere.