Orlando Pirates talisman Monnapule Saleng could miss the clash against Mamelodi Sundowns for the first time since he debuted against the same side two-and-half years ago.
Saleng has proven to be the man of the big occasions, as he had a baptism of fire given his first start in the Black and White against Masandawana as a relative unknown, in the MTN8 semi-final first leg in October 2022.
Although the first leg ended goalless, the former Free State Stars forward won the hearts of the Buccaneers, after he made a mockery of Andile Jali in midfield, sending the former Pirates anchorman to the cleaners with one gliding skill, in an incident that trended on social media up until the second leg.
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Saleng was unstoppable in the semi-final second leg, as he scored a brace and assisted a goal by Kermit Erasmus, as Ezimnyama thrashed Sundowns 3-0.
However, the North West native could not carry so much weight to deny the Brazilians three consecutive league victories thereafter, in the line-up for Pirates.
The left-footed attacker was again in the line-up for The Ghosts as they beat the Brazilians on penalties in the MTN8 final a year later and was part of the squad that halted three consecutive league wins by Masandawana in a 1-1 draw in February last year.
The former PSL Players' Player of the Season provided an assist to a winner by Relebohile Mofokeng in the Nedbank Cup final in June last year, which was the last time the sides clashed.
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The 26-year-old is yet to feature for Pirates since 7 December last year in a goalless draw against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.
With the Buccaneers supporters waiting for Saleng's return with bated breath, he is unlikely to return in the big clash against Sundowns, as his lack of match fitness would be a big risk, even for Riveiro, who debuted him in this fixture.
Since disappearing from his last game against the Red Devils, the Bloemhof-born attacker has missed 14 consecutive matches for the Soweto giants.
