Orlando Pirates fans were filled with excitement last weekend when winger Monnapule Saleng was spotted appearing to be back in training after a long absence.
However, their hopes of seeing him back in action were quickly dashed when he did not travel with the team for their CAF Champions League match against Algerian side MC Alger on Tuesday.
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Sources suggest that Saleng's absence may be due to fitness concerns rather than injury.
The Buccaneers released their list of injured players yesterday, including Patrick Maswanganyi, Thabiso Monyane, Zakhele Lepasa, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Sesane, and Thabiso Lebitso – but Saleng's name was notably absent.
The Soweto giants have remained tight-lipped on the matter, neither confirming nor denying whether the winger will play again this season.
Sources close to the club suggest that there is still a chance Saleng could make a return before the campaign concludes, provided he regains full fitness.
However, others have already written the 27-year-old off, speculating that he may have played his final game for the club.
The uncertainty surrounding the Bloemhof-born player's situation has left many fans puzzled, with growing calls for clarity from the club.
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According to sources, Pirates may soon release an official statement addressing the Saleng situation, which has left supporters eager for answers.
"He will be back, and he is working hard in making sure that it happens. But it's a complex situation that isn't easy for anyone to understand, and we are waiting for the club to make a statement. The club could soon be issuing a statement, and until then, let's wait," said the source.
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