Why former player says Monnapule Saleng saga ‘almost ruined’ Orlando Pirates’ season
EXPERT INSIGHT Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi discusses how the Monnapule Saleng saga, believed to be due to a salary dispute, nearly derailed the club’s season, despite their runner-up finish and squad depth. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has weighed in on the Monnapule Saleng matter, and how it affected the club this season.
Pirates, of course, secured another runner-up finish in the Betway Premiership under José Riveiro and it was without the services of Saleng since December.
The 27-year-old was believed to have been left out of the side due to a salary dispute, although the club has not confirmed this as they remained tight-lipped on the situation.
As one of the best wingers in the country and not known to be nursing any kind of injury, his absence was keenly felt by Pirates, believed Lekgwathi.
Lekgwathi Highlights Pirates’ Squad Depth and Challenges
“I think we have depth in the squad,” Lekgwathi, who played for Pirates for 12 years as he earned over 300 caps for the Soweto Giants, told iDiski Times.
“In previous seasons, I have complained about the number of players in each position, but now you can see it. For example, the defenders, Tapelo [Xoki] came in, he did well, when he’s out [Nkosinathi] Sibisi is there, and now [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi is bossing the backline, and we still have the likes of [Olisa] Ndah and [Innocent] Maela on the bench. I think there is competition and a healthy one at that in all the positions.”
Stopping short of saying that Saleng would be the first choice for Pirates, Lekgwathi said: “The danger of having too many players in the team is that even the coach won’t be able to focus. The only thing I think almost ruined things was the [Monnapule] Saleng matter. If we hadn’t had that issue, I think we’d be talking a different story because you’d know we have depth on the left and on the right.
“Right now, if [Mohau] Nkota isn’t playing, I don’t know who is supposed to be in that position.”
José Riveiro’s Move to Al Ahly and Potential Impact on Saleng’s Future
With former Pirates mentor José Riveiro expected to be appointed as the new coach of Al Ahly imminently, there’s also an interesting link with Saleng.
The absence of Saleng had nothing to do with Riveiro’s personal preference at Pirates, as it was said to be a purely contractual dispute.
Now with Riveiro moving to Al Ahly, it’s certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that Saleng could be on his way to North Africa as well.
Saleng was last in action for Pirates on December 7 when they hosted Al Ahly in a CAF Champions League match at Orlando Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.
Saleng, however, was selected for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier in Bloemfontein in early March and, by all accounts, delivered a top performance.