Lepasa is on fire. Image: SABC Sport
Time for Orlando Pirates to sell R60 million talisman?
Orlando Pirates have decisions to make in the transfer window and could do worse than noting how Kaizer Chiefs sold a key man at a bad time.
Lepasa is on fire. Image: SABC Sport
Orlando Pirates should learn from recent mistakes made by Kaizer Chiefs and sell their talisman Monnapule Saleng to the highest bidder at the right time.
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ORLANDO PIRATES DEPTH AS GOOD AS IT’S BEEN
With the additions of Katlego Otladisa, Patrick Maswanganyi and Lesedi Kapinga, the Buccaneers have serious options both in central and wide attacking midfield areas. Obviously, Saleng’s 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances last term was a ludicrous output for a winger, and it’s unlikely to be matched in the foreseeable future, but Jose Riveiro’s side needs to look at the bigger picture here.
Life after Saleng?
Monnapule Saleng is, admittedly, irreplaceable. Although there is no direct replacement for his match-winning capabilities, Pirates have the squad to make up for the goals they would lose if he left. Let’s also not forget the creative talents of fit-again Kabelo Dlamini. Zakhele Lepasa is also rising to the challenge in a big way, with double figures for goals already this season.
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SALENG DESTINED FOR BIGGER THINGS
It seems inevitable that Monnapule Saleng will make a move to Europe at some stage in his career. Pirates could do worse than facilitating that move sooner rather than later, so as to maximize the revenue they recoup for him. His value is as high as it’s ever going to be, and those funds could be reinvested in a few top-class local players. A €3m (R60 million) offer would be almost impossible to refuse, and even for a club like Odense in Denmark, that’s relative pocket change.
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Where do you stand on this issue, Buccaneers fans? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game of football.
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