Orlando Pirates ‘threw R61 Million’ down the drain

Orlando Pirates passed up huge opportunities to sell key superstars and those chances don’t come around often.

Orlando Pirates fumbled the Saleng bag?

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 created for the club and player. Ligue 1 side Monaco and Danish outfit Odense were both interested in the winger.

Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Saleng submits a transfer request

The situation is still salvageable for the Buccaneers board. Although Saleng showed glimpses of his undoubted ability in a cameo against Kaizer Chiefs in March, those moments have been few and far between. A quick look at German website transfermarkt estimated transfer value is at its peak now around €1.3m. The Odense offer was closer to €3m (R61 Million). Even with his extreme dip in form, the 26-year-old can still fetch a hefty fee from local or foreign suitors. If he’s not going to be a regular for the Buccaneers, Saleng might have no choice but to close the book on his Orlando Pirates chapter. The board can still negotiate a handsome fee for Saleng because we all know that form is temporary and class is permanent.

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

BUCCANEERS FIXTURES ON THE HORIZON

• Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00
• Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00
• Sat 04 May vs Chippa (A) – 15:00 (Nedbank Cup semi-final)
• Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00

Jose Riveiro’s side is still fighting for a top-two finish in the league and the resultant CAF Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, they’ve already claimed MTN8 glory this term and will be desperate to defend their Nedbank Cup crown. Their assignment in the final four is a trip to Chippa on 4 May. If they successfully negotiate that, they’ll face the winner of Stellenbosch and Sundowns in the other semi-final.

WHERE DO YOU THINK SALENG’S FUTURE LIES?

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