As Orlando Pirates gear up for their highly anticipated CAF Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against MC Alger, the spotlight has once again fallen on the prolonged absence of star winger Monnapule Saleng – and the latest developments may have just revealed a major clue about his availability.
The Buccaneers will go into Wednesday’s encounter at Orlando Stadium with a slender 1-0 advantage, thanks to a valuable away goal scored by Mohau Nkota in Algiers last Tuesday. However, despite the momentum and growing expectations from the club’s faithful, there remains uncertainty around the status of the talismanic Saleng.
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It has now been four months since the 27-year-old last featured in an official match for Pirates.
His most recent competitive outing came on 7 December in a goalless Champions League draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly – a game in which he completed the full 90 minutes and impressed with his effort and sharpness.
Prior to that, Saleng had been used sparingly: a brief 15-minute appearance against Richards Bay in November and a run in the Carling Knockout Cup against Magesi FC in October were the only other glimpses of him since September, excluding his contribution in the MTN8 where he helped the club to win the trophy.
The lack of clarity surrounding his extended absence has sparked speculation among fans and pundits alike.
Some have questioned his fitness, while others have suggested possible off-field issues.
Yet, sources close to the club have maintained that the Bloemhof-born winger remains very much in the team’s plans and that his return is only a matter of time.
A recent video of Saleng participating in an indoor gym session with the squad had rekindled hopes among the Pirates faithful that he might be nearing a return.
Unfortunately, those hopes appear to have been dashed again this week.
On Tuesday morning, as Pirates held a key open training session at Orlando Stadium in preparation for the decisive second leg, Saleng was notably absent.
With part of the session open to media and serving as a critical component of the build-up, his no-show suggests that he is unlikely to be included in the matchday squad.
It’s a concerning development for the Buccaneers, who could undoubtedly benefit from Saleng’s creativity and flair on the wings in what is set to be a high-pressure encounter.
His absence also raises further questions about the nature of his layoff and whether supporters will see him in action again this season.
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With the team needing to maintain their slim advantage and push for a semi-final spot, the focus now shifts entirely to those available.
Coach Jose Riveiro will be banking on the likes of Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Patrick Maswanganyi to step up in the continued absence of their star player.
