Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
RUMOUR: Say goodbye to a dozen Orlando Pirates players?
So much talent at the club but also a few unsatisfied by a lack of minutes.
Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates are looking at a serious reshuffle as they prepare for CAF Champions League football and more cup title defences.
ORLANDO PIRATES TO RELEASE 12 SENIOR STARS
According to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates will sell, release or loan out up to a dozen first-team players.
“The people in the office are working hard on that list of players who will be leaving the team. It’s not an easy one but there will be an overhaul at the end of the season. Most of the players whose contracts are coming to an end won’t be renewed as the club is looking at bringing in new blood as well. As far as I am concerned most of those whose contracts were reviewed last season for one season won’t be staying. It will be like a total clear out,” said the source to the publication.
“Among those rumoured to be on the exit list are goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane, defenders Bandile Shandu, Bongani Sam, and Sandile Mthethwa, as well as midfielders Vincent Pule, Monnapule Saleng, Thabang Monare, Fortune Makaringe, and Deon Hotto. Strikers Kermit Erasmus and Cameroonian Souaibou Marou are also mentioned as potential departures.”
Saleng is determined to go out with a bang
After a scintillating 2022/2023 campaign where he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists in 30 appearances, this season has been more of a struggle for wide man Monnapule Saleng. Still, he’s shown flashes of undoubted brilliance including a match-winning brace against Kaizer Chiefs. If this is his last season as a Buccaneer he’d love to go out with a bang against Sundowns. A goal in that match would be rather fitting.
PIRATES STEP UP NEDBANK CUP FINAL PREP
Despite one or two key injury worries, Jose Riveiro has selection headaches all over the pitch ahead of their meeting with Sundowns on 1 June. Tapelo Xoki, immense in the centre of defence this season, will miss the match after having surgery. That blow is offset considerably by the return of Nigerian star Olisa Ndah and the emergence of Thabiso Sesane. With Nkosinathi Sibisi also a key figure, Pirates are stacked in that position. Sundowns and Pirates clash on 1 June from Mbombela Stadium at 15:00 to contest the showpiece match.
WILL THE SEA ROBBERS CLAIM MORE BOOTY AGAINST SUNDOWNS?
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