MYSTERY ABSENCE The reasons behind Monnapule Saleng’s (left) absence from the Soweto Giants lineup may just be starting to emerge. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Monnapule Saleng has been a bizarre absentee from the Orlando Pirates lineup going on three months, and now it has emerged that it may be due to a failed move abroad and unhappiness over his wages at the club.
Sunday World quotes Saleng’s close friend Boikanyo Maine, with some staggering allegations.
After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng opted not attend training which prompted his exclusion from the side since.
Saleng was last in action for Pirates on December 7 when they hosted Al Ahly, in a Caf Champions League match at Orlando Stadium which ended in a goalless draw.
The 26-year-old has not been reported as injured, and is believed to have not featured for Pirates ‘due to undisclosed personal reasons’.
Despite his lack of game time for Pirates of late, Saleng has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad for their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Egypt on March 9.
The squad is made up of a number of players who have not seen action recently, as Helman Mkhalele aims to help SA qualify for the tournament.
“If he was not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him,” Maine told Sunday World.
“We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants. It’s unfair, imagine getting R70,000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes while somebody [else] is getting R500,000.”
Pirates are next in action against Chippa United on Wednesday in a Betway Premiership clash, before their Nedbank Cup quarter-final against SuperSport on Saturday. Both matches are away fixtures.