ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL The Monnapule Saleng saga may finally be nearing an end as Orlando Pirates have offered the player a new contract. Picture: Gerhard Duuran/BackPagePix
Image: Gerhard Duuran/BackPagePix
While rumours have swirled over Monnapule Saleng’s absence from Orlando Pirates, the Soweto Giants have sought to end the controversy.
The 26-year-old Saleng has been a bizarre absentee from the Pirates lineup going on three months, and earlier this week it emerged that it may be due to a failed move abroad and unhappiness over his wages at the club.
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’.
According to a FARPost article on Tuesday though, Pirates have extended Saleng’s contract at the club for another two years. Saleng’s contract was set to expire in June, and therefore the timing of the issue made sense after he initially signed a three-year deal when he first joined the side.
Though there have been comments from ‘close personal friends’ on the reasons behind his absence from the team, the agency that manages Saleng has said the “matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution”.
Saleng remains “committed to addressing these matters through the appropriate legal and professional channels”.
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 Sunday.
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.