With the curtain officially drawn on the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign, all eyes at Orlando Pirates are now fixed on the future – and the winds of change are already sweeping through Mayfair.
The Soweto giants have confirmed the departure of several key figures, signaling the start of a major squad overhaul.
Among the high-profile exits are long-serving defender Innocent Maela, midfield workhorse Miguel Timm, dependable left-back Paseka Mako, and versatile full-back Thabiso Monyane.
The clear-out offers a strong indication of the Buccaneers’ intent to rebuild under a new vision. However, the biggest question mark surrounds the fate of winger Monnapule Saleng, whose situation has become one of the off-season’s most talked-about storylines.
Saleng, 27, remains under contract but was curiously absent from Pirates’ matchday squads for much of the past season.
As Pirates plot their 2025/26 campaign, Saleng’s future appears to be at a critical juncture.
Sources close to the club have indicated that discussions regarding his role at the club are currently underway, with both parties seemingly keen to resolve matters — but time is of the essence.
“The club is busy with preparations for next season, and you can expect more players to be allowed to move on to make space for new signings,” a source revealed.
“He (Saleng) is one of the players the club is currently busy with regarding his future. But from what I understand, there is a slight chance for him to stay – if the parties manage to sort out their differences. If not, then anything could happen."
"At the end of the day, he needs to get back on the field and play. The club loves the boy, and he loves the club – it’s just that there were issues that needed to be sorted out, which affected his progress this season.”
The uncertainty has not gone unnoticed, especially amid rumours of a potential move to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs — a prospect that would undoubtedly stir emotions on both sides of the Soweto divide.
While the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: Saleng’s talent is not in question. Should the Buccaneers fail to reach a resolution, the player won’t be short of suitors locally or abroad
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