Pirates Quash Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi Transfer Rumours

Sheer gossip - this is how Orlando Pirates have described the latest transfer rumours about midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi and forward Monnapule Saleng .

In recent days, a local publication alleged that an agent, Rui Frois, met with a "high-ranking" Buccaneers official to discuss Saleng's availability for a Middle Eastern soccer club.

It further alleged that the club was denying Saleng this lucrative transfer opportunity. Another publication also claimed that a Portuguese club had made an offer to sign Maswanganyi.

In a statement on Wednesday 22 January, Pirates refuted these reports, expressing concern at a growing trend of misinformation circulating on social media and in certain media outlets regarding alleged offers for some of our players.

Ordinarily, the club refrains from engaging with baseless rumours aimed at creating unnecessary sensationalism and clickbait. However, the persistence and escalation of these unsubstantiated claims now compel us to set the record straight.

Regarding rumours on Saleng, the Bucs categorically denied ever receiving any offer from a Middle Eastern club for his services.

Let it be clear: the club does not conduct its business in malls. No official from Orlando Pirates Football Club has spoken to Mr. Rui Frois regarding this matter, they emphasised.

Speculation about Saleng has partly been fuelled by his absence from the Pirates playing squads in recent matches, something the club has referred to as temporary.

On reports about Maswanganyi, they added, Once again, the club categorically rejects this as sheer gossip. No such offer has been presented to the club. It is deeply troubling that these baseless stories are not only misleading but also serve to disrupt the focus of our players and destabilise the team. This is entirely unacceptable.

With just a week left of the January transfer window , speculation about club interests and possible signings is intensifying. Much of this is often attributed to anonymous sources.