Monnapule Saleng, one of the key players for Orlando Pirates and a fan favourite, was again not included in the team that defeated CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League on Sunday and questions have been asked about his whereabouts and future.
Saleng, 26, has not played in any of the official matches for the Buccaneers this year, having last featured with a cameo appearance against Al Ahly in the Champions League in December.
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In the Betway Premiership, where he has two goals in three appearances, the speedy winger was last in action in November for 15 minutes against Richards Bay FC.
While there have been concerns from some sections of the Pirates fans about the 2023 Players' Player of the Season, Bucs have been mum on Saleng's situation, with the club's head coach Jose Riveiro occasionally opting to refer to player unavailability as a sensitive topic.
Despite the speculation around Saleng's absence from the matchday squads, sources close to Pirates have indicated that the player still has a future with the club.
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"Let's respect the club when they say it's a sensitive topic but what I can tell you is that there are no plans to release the player. He is in the plans, and he performs to the best of his ability like all the other players when he is available to play. Whatever the situation is, let's hope it will get sorted for the boy to continue giving his best for the team," said the source.
Saleng was one of the top performers for Ezimnyama when the team won the MTN8 earlier in the season with starts in all four matches and impressive performances.
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