Monnapule Saleng, once the darling of Orlando Pirates fans, now finds himself at the centre of one of South African football’s most contentious sagas. The 27-year-old winger, who electrified the Premier Soccer League with his flair and decisive goals, has been embroiled in a protracted contract dispute that has seen him sidelined for much of the 2024/25 season. Now, speculation is rife that he could make a shock switch to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Saleng’s troubles began late in 2024 when he went AWOL from the Pirates squad. Missing 33 matches since December despite being injury-free. The root of the dispute, according to his representatives, lies in his dissatisfaction with his salary package. He believes it does not reflect his contributions to the team. His agency, P Management Sports, has indicated that the issue is so severe it may only be resolved through legal channels.
Club legend Eugene Zwane weighed in, emphasising the importance of honouring contracts:
“You can’t now say ‘I’m not going to play because somebody else earns more than me or I’m not happy with my package.’ You signed that contract, you negotiated it, you must honour it. That’s how contracts work,” Zwane told Soccer Laduma.
Saleng’s absence has been keenly felt on the pitch. His personal stats reflect a player in limbo. After a breakout 2022/23 season with 11 goals and 8 assists in 22 league appearances, and a solid 2023/24 with 3 goals and 2 assists in 17 games, this campaign saw him limited to just 3 matches, netting 2 goals and providing no assists. His goal involvement plummeted from 0.97 per game in 2022/23 to just 0.67 in the current season, underlining the impact of his off-field issues.
Reports have emerged that Monnapule Saleng has already signed a pre-contract with Kaizer Chiefs. Though neither club has officially confirmed the deal. The potential transfer has divided opinion, with some former Pirates players questioning whether Saleng’s style will suit Chiefs’ system. Nevertheless, the move would represent a major coup for Chiefs and a bitter blow for Pirates, who have already seen a few of their players departing for AmaKhosi.
As both parties look to move forward, the South African football fraternity watches closely. Will Saleng revive his career at Naturena, or will this controversy define his legacy?
One thing is sure, the failed star’s next move could reshape the Soweto rivalry for seasons to come.