Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro Stays Silent on Monnapule Saleng’s Absence

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has addressed the persistent queries regarding the whereabouts of Monnapule Saleng, the talented winger who has been notably absent from the team’s matchday squad in recent months.

Saleng’s Impact and Recent Absence

Saleng, a Bafana Bafana international, has been a key player for Orlando Pirates, contributing significantly to their ambitions of winning the Betway Premiership title. However, since the start of the 2024/25 season, he has only managed to feature in 13 matches across various competitions, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

His last appearance for the club was in December 2024 against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League, where they drew goalless. The absence of such a crucial player has left fans feeling concerned about the team’s performance and future prospects.

Speculations and Club Response

Media reports have circulated, suggesting that Pirates denied Saleng a multi-million move to a club in the Gulf region. These speculations fuelled debate and added to the mystery surrounding his situation.

However, recently, Pirates officials addressed these rumors, clarifying that there are no plans for Saleng or fellow player Patrick Maswanganyi to move overseas. The club maintains their stance on Saleng’s availability, emphasizing player confidentiality.

Riveiro Maintains Silence on Player Availability

Taking questions ahead of the team’s upcoming Nedbank Cup Last 16 match against Baroka FC on February 14, Riveiro expressed his reluctance to comment on the availability of players like Saleng.

“I don’t speak about the health of my players; it’s something that belongs to the private space. The club will share information when they deem it appropriate. It’s not within my role to disclose personal health details,” said Riveiro.

He continued, “It would be useful to know the status of Olisa Ndah or Goodman Mosele, as well as Saleng, but regrettably, that information is not within my purview.”

Focus on Upcoming Match

In spite of these ongoing absences, Orlando Pirates remain laser-focused on their upcoming fixtures. The team will face Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, February 14, at 15h00, with the goal of defending their Nedbank Cup title, which they won in the past two seasons.

While the absence of key players like Saleng presents a challenge, Riveiro and the team will continue to push forward, relying on their depth and collective effort.

Conclusion

Jose Riveiro’s emphasis on player privacy highlights the importance of respecting personal and team confidentiality in professional sports. As Orlando Pirates prepare for their crucial Nedbank Cup match, fans and supporters will be eager to see how the team performs without some of their star players.

For the latest updates and analyses of Orlando Pirates’ progress, stay tuned to Archynetys. Share your thoughts on the impact of Saleng’s absence and who you believe will emerge victorious in the Nedbank Cup. We value your comments!

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