Why Orlando Pirates should have sold their star for R75 million

Orlando Pirates had a chance to sell their winger, Monnapule Saleng, when he was in high demand, but they passed up the opportunity.

Saleng performed excellently last year, scoring 15 goals across all competitions and winning the MTN 8 Last Man Standing and DSTV Premiership Players’ Player of the Season at the 2023 PSL Awards.

He played a crucial role in helping his team win two domestic cup titles and was the only player in the top flight to score double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions last season.

Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian team, expressed interest in signing Saleng and were offering R37.3 million annually, including incentives and bonuses, to bring him to the Middle East. However, Orlando Pirates had valued Saleng at R75 million and decided not to sell him.

Orlando Pirates star Saleng gets another opportunity but…

The Buccaneers started the following season with high hopes for Saleng, but he did not perform as well as expected. Consequently, coach Jose Riveiro benched Saleng and played Relebohile Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Lorch on the wings instead. However, with Lorch moving to Sundowns and Lesedi Kapinga not living up to expectations, Riveiro brought Saleng back into the team.

Saleng seized the opportunity and scored two goals in the Soweto Derby win against Kaizer Chiefs. Since then, he has played decently, but not to the same level as in the 2022/23 season.

Saleng could have left for R75 million

The question remains: Should Orlando Pirates have sold Monnapule Saleng last season? The team needs to strengthen its squad with quality players to match Mamelodi Sundowns. The lack of quality forwards and a solid defence has hindered the Buccaneers’ progress this season.

Saleng is unlikely to have a huge impact at the club next season.

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