Pirates' Saleng 'going Through Some Stuff' After Seeing 'those Numbers': 'cheeseboy'

Former Moroka Swallows teammate and mentor Lebohang Cheeseboy Mokoena says he understands why Orlando Pirates start Monnapule Saleng is going through some stuff, but advised the winger to do his talking on the field.

Saleng has five goals in 13 appearances in 2024-25, but only three of those came in the Bucs 11 Betway Premiership matches. The forward has disappeared from action from late last year, only making a brief cameo in a 1-0 league win against Richards Bay in November and playing 90 minutes in Pirates 1-1 Champions League draw against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium in December.

Reports have been Saleng has missed training sessions, with agent Rui Fros telling several publications the root of the problem is Bucs turned down an offer from Saudi club Al Nasr that could have netted the player earnings of 700,000 R13m in his first year.

Pirates legend Mokoena, who roomed with the Saleng and mentored the winger early in his career at Swallows, said he understands his friends frustration.

Mokoena said he could also see Bucs' perspective not wanting to let Saleng go as they chase the Premiership title and are through to the Caf Champoins League quarterfinals , and the player is doing his career no favours if he is in self-imposed exile.