One of the most talked-about issues in South African football at the moment has been the absence of Monnapule Saleng from the Orlando Pirates’ lineup.
The Saleng saga has been drawn out for far too long at Orlando Pirates.
For whatever reason (there have been many speculated), the 26-year-old winger has been a bizarre absentee from the Pirates lineup going on three months, and last week it emerged that it may be due to a failed move abroad and unhappiness over his wages at the club.
Whether that is true or not has not been confirmed by the club itself.
After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng opted not to attend training, which prompted his exclusion from the side since.
The Ghost, as Pirates fans are known, have had enough by the looks of it, going by their comments on X.
Monnapule Saleng absence felt intensely by Orlando Pirates faithful
@SthehSobethu said: “Monnapule Saleng would've been so influential in our title race. I still hope and believe that he will come back to his senses before the season ends.
He added: “We started this campaign on a high note & I'm pretty much convinced that had we not lost both Saleng & Ndah, we'd be telling a different story.”
Ahead of their big Betway Premiership clash with table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns, @AJSilverCFC said: “I miss Monnapule Saleng. Nkota can't dismantle Mamelodi Sundowns like that down that right-hand.”
Another user, @Ronewa_Mathephe said: “You're dearly missed, Monnapule Saleng!”
Ahead of their match, Sundowns with their 58-point tally held an 18-point lead over Pirates. The Soweto Giants, however, have four games in hand over the Brazilians.