Monnapule Saleng’s unexpected absence from the Orlando Pirates has created a whirlwind of speculation across social media in recent weeks. The rising star, aged 26, has not been seen on the pitch since December, and reports indicate he has also been absent from training sessions.
Recent insights from SoccerBeat’s Peter du Toit have shed light on the mysterious situation surrounding Saleng. According to du Toit, the player was poised to join an African football giant, with initial agreements between Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly in place. However, the transfer hinged on the pivotal departure of Percy Tau from Al Ahly.
Du Toit revealed a more nuanced narrative, arguing that the media has only scratched the surface regarding Saleng’s plight. He reported that Saleng has been left frustrated after his anticipated transfer to Al Ahly collapsed—not due to an unwillingness from Pirates, who were reportedly supportive of the move, but rather because Al Ahly quietly withdrew from negotiations after failing to secure a deal for Tau.
This miscommunication appears to have led Saleng to misunderstand the dynamics at play, fueling his decision to skip training as a form of protest under the impression that Pirates had obstructed his desired transfer. Du Toit emphasized that if Saleng had continued to train and perform under contract, Al Ahly might have reconsidered their stance on acquiring him.
The situation has since placed Saleng in a challenging position, as his erratic attendance at training complicates the Pirates’ technical team’s ability to reintegrate him into match plans. This, in turn, threatens his potential for a future transfer to Al Ahly.
However, hope may be on the horizon. 45min Football has learned that Dr. Irvine Khoza is actively working to resolve the issue, and Saleng could be back on the pitch playing in the coming weeks.
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