Orlando Pirates must learn from their Saleng mistakes

Orlando Pirates had several opportunities to cash in on Monnapule Saleng.

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NOT SELLING SALENG WAS A WASTED OPPORTUNITY

We all want to see South African stars shine abroad. Over R100m is what Orlando Pirates have potentially flushed down the drain by not selling Monnapule Saleng at the right time. Imagine the changes to the entire club’s infrastructure could have undergone with that type of cash injection, not to mention the exposure it could have been created for the club and player?

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Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

SALENG HAS DROPPED OFF FOR ORLANDO PIRATES

Monnapule Saleng’s 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances in 2022-23, a ludicrous output for a winger, feels like a long time ago. We felt it would be difficult to be matched and so it has proved. Saleng has been out of favour, out of form and as a result, he didn’t make the Bafana Bafana AFCON squad. His value was at its peak half a year ago and that was the perfect time to sell to a rich European bidder. There was interest from Odense in Denmark and Monaco in France’s Ligue 1 but all of that has cooled. Will the Pirates board regret their decision to keep hold of their prized asset?

Now, it seems as though their best bet is to ship him out to SuperSport United. It could have been better for both parties. A lot better.

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Saleng is one of the hottest talents in Mzansi and the DStv Premiership. The Bucs attacker has a tremendous future ahead of him. Image: Twitter/Orlandopirates

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