As Orlando Pirates played their first game since coach Jose Riveiro announced he would be leaving his post at the end of the season, the name Monnapule Saleng was once again missing from the lineup of the Soweto Giants over the weekend.
Last week, Pirates made the shock announcement that the master tactician would not be renewing his contract at the end of the current campaign.
With that big news, it meant all eyes would be on Pirates against hosts Polokwane in the Betway Premiership clash on Saturday.
Of course, Pirates came away 1-0 victors against hosts Polokwane City in something of a tactical masterclass from Riveiro in the second half.
Naturally, without Saleng being part of that plan, it prompts speculation once more.
Social media on fire as fans react to Monnapule Saleng’s absence from Orlando Pirates
Fans of Pirates have voiced their frustration as a result on social media site X.
Speculating, @archangelsshad_m said: “Monnapule Saleng is no longer an Orlando Pirates player. People should stop expecting him on the line-up or on the subs.”
User @Matome_Kay said alongside a meme: “Scenes when Monnapule Saleng emerges at Mamelodi Sundowns with an NDA in hand…”
Ahead of the match, @KukuSelloane said: “Today, we are going to say bye-bye to Josè Riveiro and welcome Monnapule Saleng.”
Saleng has not featured for Pirates since December, and with no apparent injury, his absence is believed to be down to a wage dispute.
The club, however, has not confirmed anything about the Saleng issue except that he is not on the latest injury list released earlier this week.
The connection between Saleng and Riveiro, though, was made last month.
According to a Soccer Laduma source, getting Saleng back into the Pirates team could be one of the top priorities for Riveiro.
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.
Saleng, however, was selected for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier in Bloemfontein last month and, by all accounts, delivered a top performance.
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
