Orlando Pirates secured a vital 1-0 away win over MC Alger in their CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg – but once again, Monnapule Saleng was nowhere to be seen.
The 27-year-old winger, who last featured for the Buccaneers in December during the goalless draw against Al Ahly, was left out of the travelling squad to Algeria, raising fresh concerns about his continued absence from the team.
While the Soweto giants celebrated a hard-fought win at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday night, many fans back home were left wondering when they’ll see Saleng back in the black and white jersey.
Despite footage released by the club last week showing the star winger training and engaging in gym sessions, Soccer Laduma confirmed that Saleng did not board the flight to North Africa. The club has yet to provide any formal update on his status, further fuelling speculation over the reason behind his long-term omission.
Saleng’s absence has now stretched beyond three months, with his last competitive appearance coming in December 2024. Before his spell on the sidelines, he had registered five goals and one assist in just 13 matches across all competitions, underlining his value to the team.
A source close to the club told local media: “He didn’t travel with the team. I would be lying if I say I know when he will be back on the field, but not in this one, it’s highly unlikely.”
His exclusion from such a crucial tie – a quarter-final against a formidable MC Alger side – has only intensified the mystery.
For a player who not long ago was regarded as one of the most feared attackers in the DStv Premiership, Saleng’s absence is becoming a concern not only for the technical team but also for the supporters who once hailed him as a game-changer.
In recent months, the talented winger has also been linked with a possible exit from the club amid rumours of interest from abroad, although Pirates have not commented on any transfer speculation.
Fans had hoped that his recent return to training signaled an imminent comeback, especially with Pirates competing on multiple fronts.
However, his continued absence raises more questions than answers, and as things stand, there is no clear timeline for his return to competitive action.
Pirates’ victory in Algeria, sealed with a solitary goal, puts them in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in South Africa. But even with the momentum on their side, the missing presence of Saleng remains a glaring talking point.
As the Buccaneers chase CAF Champions League glory, the absence of one of their brightest attacking talents leaves fans both puzzled and concerned. Whether Saleng returns before the end of the season remains uncertain – and until then, his absence will continue to loom large.
